The short answer is “No,” being a teen is not easy for the teenager or for the parent. Many parents feel they’re not needed when their child enters into adolescence. Parents have cried with joy over the first steps taken, recorded first words, brushed off scraped knees, assisted with homework, coached your child’s soccer team. You’ve shared so many firsts with your child and suddenly you wake-up one day and they’re no longer that sweet child who would lovingly wrap their arms around you, ask for a kiss to feel better or ask you to join them with their friends for a game of catch or a bike ride. So, okay, you’re work is finished, right? Wrong! Your teen needs you now more than ever.
A.Ray Simpson PhD., Center Director of the Center of Health Communication at Harvard School of Public Health says, “America’s teenagers are facing risks from violence, mental illness, abuse, neglect, inadequate education, substance abuse, poverty, and other sources that profoundly jeopardize their futures – and, hence, our own. One of the most striking aspects is how little we have involved parents as part of the solution.”
Teens’ cognitive abilities are increasing, their bodies are changing, they’re testing independence, defining their morals/beliefs/values, understanding finances and deciding who they will be for the rest of their life – and this is only some of what is taking place. Parents are truly needed, only, your role has changed.
Being a teen is not easy and parents do have the capability of creating some ease around the changes taking place. To start, as a parent watching for opportunities to recognize and vocalize what you respect about your teen is very affirming for them. Your teen wants to know that they are loved and they will feel your love when you show/express your respect for whom they are (becoming). |
