Teen Issues

Teen issues are parent issues too: don't ignore them!

If you recall your own teen years, you know that hormonal changes are happening fast and furiously. Some teens suffer from wider mood swings than others. Girls begin their menstrual periods, throwing their entire metabolism in a tizzy. Boys begin to exhibit more aggressive behaviors, trying on the macho. This phenomenon exerts perhaps the greatest influence on what are often dismissively referred to as 'teen issues'.

The radical changes which occur during this time are often the harbinger of rebellion, against parents and other authority figures. This is natural and every generation has exhibited the infamous rebellious behaviors. All of a sudden, parents don't know anything. A little knowledge is, indeed, a dangerous thing. The degree and expression of rebellion is undeniably a teen issue that shouldn't be ignored. Granted, it's difficult for parents to assess when to say no and when they should let things be.

Rules on dating and curfews are one of the worst to try to enforce. Your teen can read off a litany of reasons as to why they should be allowed this or that bending of the rules. However, here is where your teen is actually most flexible, because they do realize, if only subconsciously, that their passionate desires do need to be curbed. While parents take the most flack on this one, carefully consider just how flexible you should be.

With hormonal surges come interest in the opposite gender. If you don't know how to talk to your teens about sex and STDs, look online for hundreds of sites which provide valuable guidance. It's irresponsible to not have this chat.

One major teen issue is zits, hair and body issues. Problems in these areas tend to become exaggerated in a teen's mind, but you can help them here with a few good articles or links to sites which explain the importance of nutrition as it relates to health and weight. Insist they take a good supplement.

Peer pressure weighs heavily into the whole equation. It's a hard road to adulthood. Try to work through the rough spots without anger. Understand that no matter how difficult they may be, it's harder on them than you.

Most of all, understand that, with most teen issues, it's lack of experience and judgment. You have both. Give it with love and compassion.

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