Recommendations for Parents During Adolescence
The most observable changes during adolescence are physical changes.
Adolescence is the period between the ages of 11 and 21, marked by biological and psychological changes in children. Adjustment problems in young people can increase with the changes experienced during adolescence. The changes they experience in their emotional and thought worlds can often lead us to define them as incomprehensible. Knowing what your children are experiencing and thinking during this process can help you in how you should behave towards them.
Your child will experience sudden emotional changes during adolescence.
You should inform your children about the biological differences observed in girls and boys, as this process may embarrass them. They may not be able to make sense of these changes. In families with healthy communication, informing young people about adolescence also positively affects family relationships. You should absolutely not embarrass your children and should not remain silent on topics they are curious about, directing them to other sources. It is known that adolescents who find answers to their questions with incorrect information experience problems in their adult relationships and sex lives. Sudden anger, the need for solitude, questioning life and existence, openness to new experiences, and excessive daydreaming can be observed. When you want to talk to them, you should choose a time when they are calm. Trying to talk when they are angry will not work. Do not immediately panic when they want to spend a lot of time alone in their room. This is natural. Wanting to be alone does not make them addicted to substances. Get rid of this thought. You may feel anxious because they are open to new experiences. Take an interest in their circle of friends and interests. When they feel that you are interested, they will definitely share with you. When listening to them, really make time. Do not be pessimistic about their dreams and plans. Encourage them about what they can do and be supportive in discovering their potential. Encourage them in the tasks they attempt, and be by their side when they fail. You also need to reduce your overly protective and overly helpful attitudes. Remember that children in adolescence have a need for independence. Give them the opportunity to experience the process of individuation in a healthy and safe way. Thus, you will equip them with the self-sufficiency they will need in their adult lives. You should not create an authority vacuum either. In an unsupervised process, all your relationships may break down. You should, of course, be aware of what they are interested in, with whom they spend time, and how. However, your interest and love should be sincere. You should create an environment where young people can express themselves. They should know that you respect their thoughts. Thus, with the comfort of a safe relationship, they will be bolder, and when they experience a problem, they will come to you first. However, a child who does not feel that you are by their side will seek another solution apart from you due to the problems they experience. You must earn their trust. Do not neglect to express your love and appreciation verbally. Remember that they will need love and attention very much in this period when they question life and the world. Trust is very important to them. Take care to provide them with a safe family environment.
