Recent newspaper reports have upset many parents. According to one report, three teenagers made a suicide pact and ran away from their homes. In another ghastly incident, a couple of college students killed their friend to make a quick buck, which would enable them to buy exam papers.
It’s difficult to understand the way teenage minds work. Couples with teenage children find it impossible to control them. There are differences of opinions and arguments every day.
Unfortunately, there’s no solution to this problem. By the time children become teenagers, parents have usually reached middle age. So, often children find their value system outdated. Likewise, parents cannot understand their teenage children. This is the generation gap.
Break away
The best thing that parents can do is give freedom to their children. Restrictions will only trigger off rebellious behaviour. Children will always find a way to break away from the shackles at home.
Now, teenagers also face a lot of pressure - peer pressure and competition. They are exposed to a lot, courtesy the media and want to possess the latest gizmos and sport the latest look. Most of the parents find this foolish or silly.
I always advise parents to treat teenagers with kid gloves. They should keep the channels of communication open.
It’s important for them to be non-judgmental and broadminded while dealing with them. Efforts should be made to reduce their stress, not add to it.
I always advise parents to treat teenagers with kid gloves. They should keep the channels of communication open.
It’s important for them to be non-judgmental and broadminded while dealing with them. Efforts should be made to reduce their stress, not add to it.