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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control issues              Reply to this Comment Hello, I need some advice. My daughter is 16. She is beatiful, extremely talented and intelligent. Very well rounded and loved by her teachers, friends and everyone who meets her. She cares about everyone else, loves children and wants to be in pediatrics someday. The problem is lately she has exhibited things that I have never seen until now. She has been with a boy for almost a year now who when together, are so in love. The laugh, tickle, hold hands, get along famously. But what has been going on behind the scenes is her questioning him, accusing him, calling him names, etc. She gets upset if he's late for anything and basically has a fit if she doesn't get her way. She has had an extremely rough six months or so with a lot of different things going on, and I don't know if that's too blame, but I don't know who to take her to, an anger management class, a pyschiatrist, counselor? The boy's parents have gotten involved and they are officially broken up. My daugther is freaking out that she lost the best person in the world for her over something she couldn't control. She admits she has a problem with not getting what she wants and freaking out but doesn't know how to handle it. Any advice is appreciated.                By:  lovemydaughter        Posted: May 27 2008 The Root              Reply to this Comment lovemydaughter wrote: "Hello, I need some advice. My daughter is 16. She is beatiful, extremely talented and intelligent. Very well rounded and loved by her teachers, friends and everyone who meets her. She cares about everyone else, loves children and wants to be in pediatrics someday. The problem is lately she has exhibited things that I have never seen until now. She has been with a boy for almost a year now who when together, are so in love. The laugh, tickle, hold hands, get along famously. But what has been going on behind the scenes is her questioning him, accusing him, calling him names, etc. She gets upset if he's late for anything and basically has a fit if she doesn't get her way. She has had an extremely rough six months or so with a lot of different things going on, and I don't know if that's too blame, but I don't know who to take her to, an anger management class, a pyschiatrist, counselor? The boy's parents have gotten involved and they are officially broken up. My daugther is freaking out that she lost the best person in the world for her over something she couldn't control. She admits she has a problem with not getting what she wants and freaking out but doesn't know how to handle it. Any advice is appreciated. " Hello mom. This is my first time on this site. I was reading your issues that you are now having. There is a root to this change of behavior. When that is decovered, then you can move on to the salution. It sound like, she has a trust issue. She is afraid of abandoment. Look in her past, may be a father not being there when she needed, hurt from a past relationship that she has not fully healed from; or has he done anything to make her feel inscure in this relationship? There can be a number of things. But, yes, I think that it is best that they are apart. Atleast she does know that there's a problem. Now, you have to sit with her, to start the healing process. She has to want to open up to you to tell you where this pain first developed from. Somewhere in her past, where you may have never knew. I work with teens, and they deal with so much, that they will not just tell you. They push it back, and never deal with it. That maybe why you are geeting the results of (freaking out). Help her to communicate. But, please, never assume you know. That's the mistake that alot of parents have. Blessed luck to you and your daughter!                By:  Elect Lady        Posted: Jul 07 2008

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