It's not an easy time. Of course, most teenagers think that their parents are clueless. They don't seem to realize that their parents were once teenagers themselves! And of course, throughout the ages, teenagers have always had issues. However, today's teens seem to be facing more choices than ever before.

 

Here is list of just some of the issues that our teens have to deal with on a daily basis:

∑ Grades

∑ Jobs

∑ Drugs and drinking

∑ Sexuality

∑ Pregnancy

∑ STDs

∑ Fitting in

∑ Gangs

∑ College choice

∑ Body image

 

Peer pressure and teen role models can also cause conflict. In addition, with the high rate of divorce, more teens than ever have to deal with their parents' own dating issues.

 

Adjusting to step-brothers, sisters, mothers and fathers is another situation that parents have to be sensitive to. The most important thing is to try to determine if your child�s issues are a normal part of the teen years or if they are worthy of professional intervention.

 

Consider taking your teenager to a counselor if your see any of the following symptoms:

 

∑ Moderate to severe depression

∑ Cuts or burns on different parts of your teen's body

∑ Excessive weight loss or gain

∑ Laxative use

∑ Isolation

∑ Dropping out of activities

∑ Slumping grades

 

These are just some of the things that you should be watching for. If none of these signs are present, then you can probably just rest easy that your teen has issues and tomorrow will be a better day!

 

Hana C.

Pittsburgh, PA

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