Tweet

Dormant volcanoes?

The teenage years are a turbulent stage. Adolescents don`t know how much control they have or don`t have of their lives. Besides, peer pressure and the need to belong to a group, often leads to frustration. This is expressed as anger.

A feeling of rejection is often the main reason for anger. The underlying sadness is expressed in an explosive, negative way. Anger could be easier to express than tears and fears.

Don`t label anger as negative per se. If teenagers get the impression that you feel that there is something wrong with their behaviour, it affects their self-esteem. They believe that they are inadequate personalities.

They need to know that there are more satisfying ways of expressing feelings.

Working out vigorously when angry, helps to give vent to these feelings. A long jog, punching a bag, or working out at the gym, help tremendously. This session can be followed by meditation. If done regularly, it helps calm anger.

Help your teenager discover the real source of her anger. Encourage her to talk about it without passing judgement. Or, she can choose to put her feelings down on paper.

This will enable her to recognise her anger before it gets out of control.

In extreme cases, do not hesitate to go to a counsellor for help.

Speed breakers

A teen needs to be told of the potential dangers lurking in today`s world. Teenagers may be well grown and act confident. But they are really still `children`.

Teach your child not to give out personal details and family situations to people they don`t know well. They shouldn`t be handing out their names and telephone numbers and e-mail ids to anyone other than friends.

Discourage your child from visiting chat rooms online. More often than not, people are not what they claim to be.

If she or he comes across indecent pictures of children online or elsewhere, tell her to report it either to you or to her schoolteacher. No child should be exposed to such drivel.

Explain what could entail sexual harassment. Lewd suggestions, touching, brushing past or indulging in inappropriate behaviour could all fall into this category. If someone harasses them in the such ways, tell them to confide in you or to a teacher in school.