Helping Teenagers Find Solutions

Teen years can be filled with trials and tribulations. No matter how solid and happy a childhood, your teen will inevitably face challenges as they grow. This challenging developmental period is full of change and growth, some for the better and some seemingly less than ideal for a time. Finding solutions to problems and challenges can be important and beneficial for your teen.

Adolescence is a critical stage in life. During this developmental stage perspectives are being formed. This time can influence the development of personality and general outlook. Giving your teen the tools they need to build resilience and skills can be beneficial for them throughout their lives. As a parent, you have the power to guide your teen down the right path.

The Challenges of Adolescence

Adolescence can be filled with challenges and uncertainty. Apart from the physical changes that can be troubling for teenagers, there are pressures and expectations that contribute to their possible confusion. Left to their own devices, they may end up making questionable choices and struggle with problems that leave lasting effects.

There are “classic” concerns that most parents may want to protect their children from, such as unsafe sex, teen pregnancy and/or drug and alcohol abuse. In addition to this there may be challenges occurring within the family as well as; cyberbullying, self-harm, weight issues/eating disorders, low self-esteem, and Internet addiction. The list of challenges facing teens today can seem never ending.

Recognizing Your Teen’s Concerns

With the many factors that may affect or disrupt your adolescent’s life, it is critical that you are sensitive to their mood and behavioral changes so that you can intervene if/when necessary. It can be difficult to know what to look out for and then even harder to decide what requires your intervention and what is something that they can work out on their own.

Should you feel alarmed when your teenager makes noticeable changes in their appearance— extreme makeup, dyeing hair in weird colors, etc.—or are they just being curious and experimental? Is avoiding the family and doing things without your knowledge a sign of asserting independence, or a sign of defiance? Are they “just being a teen” when they become increasingly argumentative, angry, and moody, or are they caught up in negative thoughts and feelings that they don’t understand? When is a behavior considered normal and when is it considered a red flag?

Teen Development: What You Must Know

Life transitions will present a certain degree of difficulty for anyone. For adolescents, it can be compounded by the biological changes in their bodies, which can make them more susceptible to conditions like depression or anxiety. They may look grown-up, but inside they are just older children. Their hormones are shifting and surging. With brains that are still in the midst of development, they are wired in a different way, and their responses may not be as mature as those of an adult. This can make problems more difficult to spot.

All these biological changes do not excuse recklessness, irresponsibility, and poor behavior. Understanding teen development and behavior can help you stay connected to your child and journey with them as they overcome their concerns. In the process, you can similarly save yourself from being overly stressed and frustrated.

The Good News: Help Is Here!

It can be “normal” for your adolescent to experience enormous changes and to feel uncertain, confused, and pressured. However, feeling desperation, depression, hopelessness, or helplessness more often than not is something to be concerned about. If your teenager seems to be having a rough time and is showing signs of distress, know that you and your child are not alone—call Carolina Counseling Services – Sanford, NC. CCS contracts with independent, licensed therapists who can help. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Related Articles: