I love teens. I think they are super cool human beings with such vitality, humor, and style. I love spending time with them and I super enjoy when I have the opportunity to work with teens. It’s such a challenging time in life and I know that when I was a teen I needed more support than I received. I pay attention to the teens in my community. I look them in the eye and say hi. I also notice how people treat them and vice versa. So I thought it would be neat to share with you some of what I’ve learned about teens in my life and career as a Teen & Family Coach…
Teens are often criticized for things that come natural.
Teens aren’t always taken seriously and they are commonly discriminated against simply for their age.
Teens are expected to behave like adults even though they aren’t adults.
Teens aren’t adults – no matter how much they look and act like them, they aren’t and should be treated accordingly – this does not mean we get to look down on them – it does mean that we get to be ultra compassionate and understanding.
Teens are expected to have things figured out that most adults haven’t figured out yet.
Teens can see right through adults.
Teens are just learning the range of human emotions and are in the process of learning how to deal with them. A lot of adults don’t know how to appropriately process their emotions. This is a human challenge; not a teen challenge.
Teens push boundaries. It is human nature.
Parents cannot control their teens (or anyone else for that matter). They can only control how they respond to their teens.
Teens need to take risks.
Teens need at least one adult outside of their parents that they can turn to for support, guidance, and love.
Teens need to express themselves.
When teens are freaking out and lashing out, they need parents who can remain calm and hold them accountable.
Teens know how to push their parents buttons.
Teens need a safe space to learn how to take responsibility.
Teens are ultra sensitive about their bodies – who isn’t really?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts, perspective, and ideas about your TeenView. What parts of my list do you agree with? Disagree with? And what would you like to add? Please, comment away!
Interesting points.
Thanks Nancy!
I like your list. I think most teens don’t have the opportunity to have an adult (other than their parents) in their lives…it’s so important!
Another thing I think teens cling to and need is their peers and how easily influenced they are by the people around them and the media. There is a great need to feel “normal” and fit it. Searching for our identity and acceptance of ourselves is a life long process.
Yes, a life long process! I often find myself wishing that there could be a “once and for all” solution to our sense of self and confidence. But, then how would we learn and grow?
In terms of other adults to support teens, teachers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are all great sources of support. In fact, these other adults make a HUGE impact on the lives of teens. Yeah I know, teens aren’t walking around telling the adults in their lives how much of a difference they make (parents included). But, they do make a difference. We do make a difference. All of us. Even just smiling at a teen walking by makes a difference.
Smiling at anyone makes a difference :~)
I like to smile!
Thank you so much for commenting, Larissa.