Adolescence the hardest and most confusing stage . For the care givers , parents and the adolescent themselves. It’s a phase where there is tremendous transition and unsurity.
Dealing with this it’s a Herculean task ! Some pointers which have helped me dealing with my adolescent students .
Adolescents are always searching . It’s like they are on an exploring , self-designated journey . The biggest problem is with an unknown destination in mind .
They will carry a lot of sensitivity around them at this time . Tread with care . Anything you do or say could work for you or against you . It’s like you are handling a very sensitive case in the court . You are the lawyer. How you deal with it , could build your case with your witness .
They need very strong egos and role models to look upto now . Compassion with assertiveness . How you mix the two is very important. To make an Adolescent trust in you and confide it’s not less than receiving the” Nobel Prize “!
Believe me !
Sometimes they come with you with their past hurts and traumas . They might just want you to listen to them without judging. Days like that seal your lips . Just be their sound box . Honour them .
Some days they might come looking to you for Advice.
Remember! An adolescent will go through severe mood swings . One day they will look the happiest. The next day they will be down in the doldrums.
Motivating an adolescent at all times is the main requisite . But has to be done subtly. The minute they feel your pandora box of Advices is open , you have lost them.
To motivate them you have to get down to doing it . To motivate my daughter in exercising . I’m seen more often at the park and on the yoga mat then her π.
It’s a beautiful phase. Let them experience it . Their crushes , their likes , feelings . Let them go thorough it. The more you suppress , the more difficult adulthood will become for them .
What stays suppress in the system finds it way out somehow .
Listen to them ! They want that !
Academics ! Another Battlefield with the parents . Both standing across on the Battleground. Facing each other like the worst enemies.
Let them choose their field of interest . Do not force your likes and dislikes on them . It’s not fair !!
For an Adolescent exercising is Paramount. They have to exercise. Their body needs it .
Again ! What they like !
I’ll come up with more in few weeks .
Have a lovely day ! Enjoy your journey with an Adolescent!!