Teenagers usually express their search for
identity in few distinct ways, they are :
| 1. |
Doing
forbidden things
Teenagers at times feel that by defying parental limits they are acting like adults. |
| 2. |
Rebellion
They want to reinvent the world, and challenge and test all that the adults say. They
usually reject most of the social, moral values and remould themselves according to their
peers. |
| 3. |
Clothing
Teenagers will submerge their own identities to imitate a chosen celebrity. Wearing
difficult breathe tight clothes is trying very hard to dress in a manner similar to his
favorite actor or model. They usually wear clothes and other paraphernalia that their peer
consider fashionable. |
| 4 |
Status
symbol
Another very common way in which adolescents try to have their own identity is the status
symbol. Everyone wear 'branded' clothes, hangout in "cool" places, have their
own room and latest electronic gadgets. Through this they hope to attract attention and be
recognised as individuals. |
What parents need to understand
Most parents undergo turmoil, pain and guilt through these years. They
feel blamed. Parents have to feel sure of themselves. By handling teenagers with empathy
and love, parents may actually be in control of the situation.
The following steps must be taken by parents :
1. Understand the nature of the age.
2. Be fun but fair to all the limits that you set.
3. Learn to be more patient and understanding.
4. Be more a friend than a parent
5. Develop a sense of humor
6. Be honest with your child
7. Heed the emotional needs of your teenagers
8. Be realistic and not idealistic. |
