Teens can engage in some frustrating behaviors, from slamming doors to mood swings, relationship conflicts to outbursts, the list can go on and on. While many teens engage in these types of behaviors, not everything is a natural part of growing up. Adolescents can be a time of growth and change that will be accompanied by challenges and adversity as well. This can be a difficult time for both you and your teen. While adversity can bring a lot of positive change, you may be left wondering where to turn if your teen’s behaviors become concerning.

Not only are teenage years challenging, but teens today are also facing a lot of issues that may be new territory for parents. Social media alone presents a whole new arena for parenting. These days, some may say that teens face more serious dangers in a more volatile social climate. Parenting a teenager can be remarkably challenging, remember you are not alone. Counseling can help.

What Makes Adolescence So Difficult?

Adolescence can be a difficult developmental phase due to the many physical and psychological changes that occur. As hormonal changes start, there may be mood changes, impulsive decisions, and excessive reactions that can have life-changing, even life-threatening, consequences. Many teens struggle in making this transition. Adolescence can come with lowered self-esteem, challenges in school, social challenges and more.

During this phase of development teens generally seek out independence and search for identity. This quest can bring them outside their comfort zones which can bring about pain, but they can also be the most exciting, productive and memorable experiences of their lives. The transitional years can be a bumpy ride. Today’s pressures can include a lot of challenges– technological, social, cultural, familial, economic, and individual – adolescence can be more than what they are ready to process.

Teen Challenges

Technology rules the twenty-first century. There is no doubt that there are benefits to technology – convenience, efficiency, communication, and entertainment. For teens, however, it can also present a great deal of challenges. With so many aspects of their existence being influenced or shaped by technology, from the way they learn to the way they socialize, tech can be a big part of their life. This can be helpful, though oftentimes it results in unhealthy behaviors such as; cyberbullying, internet addiction and a lot of other distractions.

Peer pressure and bullying are other concerns that many teenagers will face. This can happen in person as well as online. Rising above all of this is possible, but many adults are faced with the challenge of how to go about it when it comes to their child.

The change in your child may happen so fast, you may not be even aware of what is causing it. Despite your effort to connect, they may still seem beyond reach. You are not alone.

Reconnecting with Your Teen Through Counseling

The ability to meet the challenges of this stage may be something that your teenager wants to learn themselves. However, it can be difficult watching them struggle and search for solutions. You may worry that a wrong decision could damage their lives or permanently affect their future, safety, and happiness. These are natural concerns that many parents face.

There are strategies to help you reconnect with your teen, so you can help them navigate their challenges. Therapy can help too. You are not alone when raising an emotionally healthy and well-adjusted teen. You can seek the help of a skilled, independently contracted counselor with Carolina Counseling Services – West Fayetteville, NC. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment!