Growth is beautiful. Whether it is a bud growing into a flower or a caterpillar making its way out of the cocoon; growth is tough. In humans, this important phase is marked by teenage.
At the physical level, the body goes through innumerable hormonal changes.
At the emotional level, a child craves social recognition from the peer group.
At the mental level, ambition and responsibility occupy a primary space in the mind.
Life finally and gradually starts happening beyond the mental constructs guided by the ideas of elders.
With so many things to grow out of, a teenager may feel threatened, anxious, self-conscious and isolated from those he confided the most in: parents. There is a tug of war happening in a teenager’s life, day and night. This is when it is extremely crucial for the parents to continue being their child’s confidante.
There are several ways to achieve this.
1. Communication
First and foremost, the parents need to take utmost care of their own emotional and mental state while dealing with their child’s behavior. They need to trust and work towards creating a healthy bond with him or her. This could include sharing stories from their teenage and listening intently to the child’s newly developed interests, without being judgmental. If the child is going through something and is not willing to share, the parents should make him or her feel comfortable by accepting the situation. They must then guide the child in a calm and gentle manner.
2. Healthy Lifestyle
Due to many hormonal changes, mood swings, poor appetite and craving for junk food is bound to occur. It is a good idea to get the child interested in the benefits of a healthy diet and nutrition, the benefits of yoga and exercise, and a good sleep routine, at an early stage.
3. Educate
Craving for toxic substances like alcohol, drugs and other activities may pop up during this period. The negative influence of social media might prove to be counterproductive for the child’s upbringing. He or she may feel the need to get involved in these activities to feel accepted by his or her peers. It is a good idea to educate the child about the long-term pitfalls of the same.
4. Channelize Energy
Teenagers are filled with a lot of energy. This can be directed positively towards sports, hobbies and spiritual practices. Breathing exercises and meditation can work wonders to soothe the negative emotions in teenagers. This will also keep them grounded in what they know is right for them, and give them the strength to stand by it.
5. Company and Social Responsibility
As they say in Hindi, “jaisa sang vaisa rang”, we are strongly influenced by the company we keep. Parents should talk to their children about the significance of being in the company of like-minded people. Collective consciousness can impact our mindset in a significant way.
Working towards making the world a better place helps the teenager rise above personal worries and see his or her skill-sets being used for a larger purpose. This can work wonders in making the child feel more responsible and secure, and diminish the need for recognition and approval from outside.
Just as every phase of life is a new opportunity and a challenge in itself, teenage is also a special period in a child’s life, and also in a parent's life. Let it be an adventure worth remembering. An adventure filled with a positive outlook towards life.
