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     ADOLESCENCE 

Adolescence  can be a challenging stage for both the teen and the parents. It is a time of drastic hormonal changes, struggle for independence, curiosity, and identity confusion.Its a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty  to legal adulthood. Adolescence is usually associated with the teenage years,but its physical, psychological or cultural expressions may begin earlier and end later. For example, puberty now typically begins during preadolescence  particularly in females. Physical growth (particularly in males) and cognitive development can extend into the early twenties. Thus, age provides only a rough marker of adolescence, and scholars have found it difficult to agree upon a precise definition of adolescence.

CHARACTERISTICS 

The five leading characteristics of adolescence are the follwing:-

*Biological growth and development.

*An undefined status.

*Increased decision making.

*Increased pressures.

*Search for self.

COMMON PROBLEMS OF   ADOLESCENCE

1. Physical changes happen due to change in the teenager’s hormone levels.

2. Emotional changes and problems. Hormones affect your teenager not only physically but also emotionally.

3.Behavioral changes. Overwhelming emotions can lead to impulsive behavior, which can be harmful to your child as well as others. Mostly, it is just teen behavior that will last as long as their adolescence.

4.Substance use and abuse.Teenagers are vulnerable and can be easily swayed to the wrong side. Substance abuse is one of the biggest problems that parents of adolescents around the world have to deal with.

5.Educational challenges.High school is not all about fashion, friends, and parties. Children also have a lot of educational activities on their plate.

6.Emotional development . It is very common that teenagers often have a tendency to assert their independence. This demands that they distance themselves from their parents. The march toward autonomy can take myriad forms: less overt affection, more time spent with friends, contentious behavior, pushing the limits—the list goes on and on. Yet adolescents frequently feel conflicted about leaving the safety and security of home.

 

                                       Adolescence is a turbulent period for most people. Understandably so –they are saddled with decisions about career, lifestyle and sex. As a male child, it is even more difficult – he  also have to make decisions about drugs, alcohol, family etc. They  are under a lot of pressure to live up to society’s definition of ‘a man’. Planning life directions can be especially difficult if they are ill-equipped on how to deal with situations that you face.

In order to enjoy a crisis-free adolescence and emerge a responsible adult, it is paramount that you possess skills such as decision-making, assertiveness and goal-setting skills. You also need to be able to take charge of your life. Teenagers, who go through peer and/or academic pressure, can be benefited greatly from talking to a professional who knows how to address their emotional needs. Through counseling, your teenager can learn effective coping mechanisms and life skills that can help them get through the problems. It can also help them redirect their energy and express their emotions in a productive and positive way.