Adolescent child are in a very troublesome state of transition from childhood to adulthood. This is the stage where their social skills and emotional intelligence began developing and taking a matured turn. As a result, they start developing a need for independence with a growing sense of identity and private life.
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Some of the events that might cause emotional problems for children include the birth of a sibling, death of a loved one – a friend, family or even a pet, physical and mental abuse, poverty, domestic violence, migration to different place or school, being bullied, parental divorce, too much responsibilities for their age, health conditions of their parents, parental divorce or separation, too much academic pressure, generation gap – a difference of values between parents and children, romantic and platonic relationships among their own age mates, the sexual awakening, psychological disorders such as anxiety or depression, influence of toxic philosophy, feeling neglected or unloved, etc.
These are the times when your adolescent is actively looking for values to define herself or himself. And whether they are submissive or rebellious, they want to do it on their own terms. They will also have their own personal life and secrets.
Here are some tips you must keep in mind while taking care of your adolescent:
1. Don’t beat them
While we would never advise capital punishment, the slightest punishment you might have administrated earlier must be stopped altogether with them. It will either turn them rebellious or reduce their self-worth.
2. Try to be friends with them
A child in distress will call for his mom or some grown-up for help. The adolescents are developing a tendency to turn to their friends – with whom they can talk as equals. Unlike younger children, they don’t need protection or at least won’t admit they do. What they need is advice for which they will turn to their friends. It is thus the best strategy if you want to know their minds, to be friends with them. Take them out and let them meet your friends. Meet their friends as equals rather than in judging, grownup way. Jokingly ask them if they have a girlfriend or boyfriend.
Also Read: Role Of Parents In Life Of Adolescent Kids
3. Hold regular conversations with them
You must hold regular conversations with them. Ask them about their interests, values, and opinions on various matters. Let them feel that they and their opinions matter.
4.Understand that they need privacy
Your adolescent child is no longer a kid who wants to talk about everything on their mind. They are bound to develop a private life of their own. Give them their own personal space – a personal room. Always add the phrase ‘it is okay if you don’t want to talk about it’ when you ask a private question.
