In a developmental stage marked by intense physical, emotional, and intellectual changes, it's no surprise that adolescence often causes confusion and upheaval for the parent as well as the young person. The transitional period from child to adult is a difficult time for most, and the complexity of the modern world can serve to complicate the process.
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With the advent of the Information Age, a tremendous amount of often conflicting news, opinions and ideas bombard young minds. Dangerous behaviors and violent acts are frequently glamorized by the media. Many parents are concerned about how easy it is for their kids to come in contact with drugs, alcohol and other harmful situations and problems.
Adolescent depression, drug or alcohol dependency, and other mental health issues in both teenagers and pre-teens seem to be increasingly prevalent problems. Independence is greatly sought after at this age, yet coping skills and judgment are still developing. This makes it difficult for parents to decide when their child's behavior is par for the course, or when they may benefit from the guidance of a mental health professional to resolve potentially serious issues.
Often, a major life event can be a trigger for such issues. These events can include the death of a loved one, divorce, problems in friendships or romantic relationships, serious injury to the adolescent themselves or a family member or friend, or a national tragedy. It is crucial for parents to pay attention to their child's behavior, particularly during and after these sorts of events, and make note of any marked changes. Here are a few behaviors that may indicate a need to talk to a counselor:
1. An increase in secrecy and defensiveness. While it is common for kids of this age to desire additional privacy, it may warrant concern if the adolescent suddenly begins to lock his or her bedroom door and takes more time than expected to answer the door when the parent knocks.
2. Taking money from a parent's purse or wallet without asking. While stealing itself is a major issue, the need for additional money could also point to a drug habit or other problem.
3. Extreme or unexpected mood swings, going from elation to anger that seems out of balance with the event that triggered the anger.
4. Unexplained cuts on the body.
5. Being exceptionally defiant toward parents or other authority figures, frequently missing curfew, chronic lateness or lying about plans and locations.
6. A sudden change in friends, especially if the child doesn't bring new friends home so the parents can meet them. Coinciding changes in behavior, attitude and clothing preferences are additional reason for concern.
7. A significant drop in school performance and a loss of interest in activities that the teen or pre-teen used to enjoy.
These aren't the only warning signs, but they're a good starting place. Every child is different, and parents know their children better than anyone else. Some of these behaviors may be more "normal" for a given teen than others; the most important thing is for parents to remain sensitive to their adolescents' immediate worlds and be alert to any behavior changes. The bottom line is that parents should trust their gut and consult with a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional if they suspect a serious problem.
Keeping the lines of communication open is critical to fostering a healthy relationship at any age. A trained professional can greatly assist both parents and adolescents in improving communication skills and strengthening family bonds during this challenging phase.
About the Author
If you live in the South Orange County area and are worried about your teen or pre-teen's behavior, contact Professional Psychology. They provide interactive, solution-based therapy with compassion and understanding, specializing in family and parenting issues as well as adolescent concerns. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services
by: Stephen Daniels - Total views: 0 - Date: Fri, 29 Jan 2010
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