|
|
| |
| Understanding Teenage Needs |
| Understanding Teenage Needs |
A note for parents
Teenage and the ensuing transition onto adulthood is perhaps the most important time for you as a parent to extend your guidance, support and understanding to your child. As children grow older, their perceptions get more concretized and they grapple with issues and choices which influence their future; your role as a parent cannot be understand is wary important during this phase. |
What teenagers 14 years and older need from adults:
- Balance of nurturing and challenge-Teenagers still need support and unconditional love. They also need to be challenged. Such opportunities help them grow and channel their abundant energy.
- Guidance on making decisions-Teenagers yearn for independence but are not yet fully mature. Rather than tell them what to do, help them clarify their thoughts and feelings so they can make informed decisions.
- Autonomy from the parents- Let the parent-child bond change and flower into a sacred friendship.
- Embrace by a wisdom culture of adults-Allow adults from the extended family or from the family's spiritual community to help guide the teenager.
- Regular confession to adult guides-Create a climate where teenagers feel free to share their thoughts, feelings and actions to adult guides. This helps prevent the development of "secret life".
- Evaluation of future choices-Help teenagers assess their interests and talents and prepare for a future occupation.
|
Expectations:
- Active devotion in a sacred tradition-Encourage teenagers to freely express their devotion to the Divine.
- Self-discipline-Freedom should be directly linked to the demonstration of self-discipline and responsibility.
- Sexual understanding-Teenagers need sufficient education and cultural support in this area. Help them make responsible choices as they mature.
- Respect for adults-Show teenagers respect and, in turn, encourage them to value the practical wisdom of adults.
Issued in public interest: by
Expert Group on Adolescent Health (a Registered national organization.) |
|
|
|
|
