Early Adolescents - Early Adolescence Stage

Early Adolescents

The most difficult phase of life is early adolescence. It is a phase when the kid is not yet mature but he is no longer a kid. Peers insist that they have grown enough to be self independent while parents still not provide ample freedom. This is the time when even studies are getting more difficult and physical changes are a constant source of irritation. There is a lot of confusion, hesitation and a search of the real identity. Life seems vague and Omni-directed.

Adolescence is the time when all of a sudden world starts looking different. All of a sudden the fear of losing out in the rat race of life takes a toll on other important aspects of life. The sheer innocence of friendship is lost. Several new kinds of fantasies beyond the fun fantasy of Tom and Jerry start taking a toll on mind. This is the time when a kid needs perfect parenting. This is the turn in their life which decides their future and entire course of life. So, as a parent you must know how to treat your kid at this stage of his life. Read more.

Adolescence: Know How Your Kid Feels

Your Kid is very confused at this stage of life; he/she is not sure about his career and his preferences in life.

He/She is extremely unaware of the difficulties beyond your arena of comfort zone.

He/She is very perturbed by the physical changes in their body and their increasing inclination for the opposite sex.

The responsibilities of studies are taking a toll on his life.

He/She is confused by the glam and glitter of money. He/She often fantasizes to be a billionaire to buy all the possible things in the world.

The curiosity to explore things is at its extreme.

The peer pressure is very much there in their life.

He/She is unhappy with you because of the restrictions you impose or the attention you miss to provide.

How can you act as parent?

Do not preach. They are not going to do any good. If you want to tell them something discuss like an adult.

Make them feel responsibility comes simultaneously with freedom.

Keep a constant eye on his friend circle but do not over inquire or reveal it.

Keep a check on his study report and ask for his problems with studies, if any. Do not scold but show strictness about results and their performance.

Other than studies, engage them with the hobbies of their choice. Be it guitar, painting, dancing or anything. This will channelize their energy in right direction.

Never be apprehensive if they are close friends with opposite sex. Give them their space but not without a constant check.

Be friends, discuss about the natural phenomenon of life. Cautiously discuss about the physical changes in their body. You can also subscribe a good teen magazine for them if you do not feel comfortable talking.

Do not make them feel that sex and physical changes are taboo not to be discussed. Make them understand that there is a right phase for everything in life. Also, inculcate habits of cleanliness and hygiene in their routine. It will help them grow as a mature teenager.

Give time. Listen to them. Do not always be a mother or father try being a friend at times.

Do not overburden them with responsibility. Though they may have started appearing like an adult, remember they are till a kid, unaware of many social do's and don'ts.

Socialize with them. Take them for some parties you feel, you are comfortable taking them. Arrange a get together for his/her friends. Take them dine out after exams or simply if they are feeling low.

Let them experiment with their wardrobe and hairstyle. This is the only time when they can do this. Remember even you did this!

Respect their secrets. If you wont you will lose respect in their eyes.