Teenagers
By
Diane Overgard
Rude teenagers! Poor grades! Talking back! Out of
control teens!
The teen years may be challenging but teens are also
funny, interesting, caring, loving, and committed
people! When parents understand behaviors that are part
of the normal process of growing up, they don’t have to
be alarmed, ashamed, hurt, embarrassed, threatened, or
shocked.
It is NORMAL for teens to:
- Spend lots of time with friends.
- Desire independence and freedom.
- Feel invincible.
- Have opinions that are different from parents.
- Challenge rules because they see exceptions and
extenuating circumstances.
- Experience intense emotions and mood swings.
- Appreciate more privacy.
Teens are getting ready to leave home. That is a tough
job. During these few years teenagers are learning to
become independent, become problem solvers, and become
comfortable with themselves.
Parents also have a tough job. They are trying to
understand teens and to help them become mature adults.
It is helpful to remember that teens are in process.
They are not who they will be as adults. A lot of
learning is still taking place. These years are the
training ground for mature adult characteristics.
Tension is eased when parents merely understand the
changing behaviors of teenagers.
When parents realize that both teenager and parent have
tough jobs, they can be gentler on themselves – and
their teens.
Diane Overgard, CFLE, has been involved in parent
education and staff training, guiding parents and their
children in active learning environments. As a Certified
Family Life Educator, Diane’s skill in combining child
development theory with practical applications gives the
why as well as the how of strengthening relationships.
Find out how to book Family Impact for your church or
home small groups by visiting
http://www.familyimpact.net
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