Adolescence is not an easy time for kids or parents. The only way to deal with needs and problems at this age is to know about them and be ready to face them. Here is our list of the most common problems, and their solutions that adolescents have to deal with.
Physical changes happen due to change in the teenager’s hormone levels.
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- Development of full breasts in girls can be awkward in the beginning. Girls may start to feel conscious about their figure.
- Change of voice and appearance of facial hair in boys is perhaps the most prominent change that takes place during adolescence.
- Acne is one of the major problems.
- Muscle gain sometimes leads to excessive body weight in teens.
- The growth of pubic hair in girls and boys.
- Body odor becomes evident.
- Girls start their periods.
The best way you can do to help your teenager get through the stage is to make them aware of these changes.
- Explain that it is normal for the body to change as every teenager goes through it!
- Help them adapt to these changes – acknowledge the change and help them accept it.
- Enable them to stay healthy and fit through a nutritious diet and exercise.
2. Emotional changes and problems
Hormones affect your teenager not only physically but also emotionally.
- Adolescence is the age between adulthood and childhood. Teenagers are often confused about their role and are torn between their responsibilities as growing adults and their desires as children.
- They tend to feel overly emotional (blame it on the hormones). Just about anything and everything can make them happy, excited, mad or angry.
- Adolescent girls are vulnerable to crying.
- Mood swings are common among teenage boys and girls.
- Bodily changes result in self-consciousness.
- Children who hit puberty early may even feel weird.
- Feelings of inferiority or superiority may arise at this time.
- Adolescence is the age when sexual feelings arise in youngsters. Feelings and thoughts about sex can trigger a sense of guilt.
Solution:
Puberty can be an emotional roller-coaster ride. And it is normal. Here is how you can help your kid deal with these emotional problems of adolescence.
- Assist them to take care of themselves. Tell your teenagers that it is okay to feel the way they are feeling.
- Encourage them to exercise as physical activity helps keep the serotonin (creates good feelings and happiness) levels up.
- Let them talk. Listen to them without judging and avoid giving them advice when they are not ready for it.
- Share your experiences of puberty or let them talk to an older sibling who has gone through the same. It will emphasize that it is okay to feel the way they do.
- Indulging in a creative activity can help them channelize their emotions.
3. Behavioral changes
Overwhelming emotions can lead to impulsive behavior, which can be harmful to your child as well as others. Mostly, it is just teen behavior that will last as long as their adolescence.
- Adolescence is the time when kids develop and exercise their independence. This can give rise to questioning the parents’ rules (seen as argumentative) and standing up for what they believe is right (seen as stubbornness).
- The raging hormones in teenage boys can even push them to get into physical confrontations. They would also want to listen to loud music.
- As a part of their new-found independence, adolescents may also want to try new things and take risks, resulting in careless behavior.
- Sometimes, peer pressure and the need to ‘fit in’ can make them behave in a certain way or develop certain habits that are hard to break.
- Your teen’s dressing, hairstyle, and sense of fashion also change, mostly to something that you may not approve of.
- The most troubling behavior is perhaps your teen hanging out with problem kids and adapting to a dangerous lifestyle.
- Lying is one of the common teen behavioral issues. Teens may lie to avoid confrontation with parents or out of fear.
Solution:
- Behavioral problems in adolescence can make life difficult for parents. But remember that it is a passing phase, and is entirely normal.
- Gaining your child’s trust is important if you want to help him with behavioral issues. Talk to them and listen to what they have to say. Do not judge or criticize them, as it could worsen their behavior.
- Let them know that you love them just as they are. Encourage them to be true to themselves and not take on a personality just to please others.
- You will have to intervene if you see them falling into bad company. Remember that adolescents are sensitive and may not take criticism well.
4. Substance Use and Abuse
Teenagers are vulnerable and can be easily swayed to the wrong side. Substance abuse is one of the biggest problems that parents of adolescents around the world have to deal with.
- Peer pressure is one of the significant factors that drive adolescents to take up smoking and drinking or to do drugs.
- The tendency to take risk encourages most teens to try smoking or drinking even before they are of legal age.
- What may start as a ‘thrill’, can become a habit if it remains unchecked.
- If there is somebody who smokes or drinks at home, they can become your teen’s role models.
- Poor self-esteem and the need to be ‘cool’ can push adolescents to smoke or drink.
- Easy access to substances like cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, and anabolic steroids may increase the temptation to try illicit substances.
Solution:
- Keep an eye on your child’s behavior. Look for erratic behavior and change in his or her appetite, sleep patterns, and moods.
- Do not spy on them or accuse them of any wrongdoing. Encourage them to talk and be honest. Tell them what your concerns are and discuss the problem with them.
- If your child is not willing to talk to you, the doctors can ask confidential questions to know if they are abusing any substances. Avoid going as far as a drug test, as that may come across as confrontational and threaten the kid.
- If necessary, get your adolescent the appropriate treatment.
5. Educational challenges
High school is not all about fashion, friends, and parties. Kids also have a lot of educational activities on their plate.
- Pressure to perform academically and obtain college admission can be stressful and make your teenager moody.
- Juggling school work, extra-curricular activities (must for college admissions) and chores at home can be tiring.
- Distractions at school can result in poor academic performance, which will add to the pressure.
Solution:
- Support your kid’s aspirations for college education as what they need is the encouragement to do well.
- You could cut down their household chores to enable them to focus on their school projects when needed.
- Nutrition and exercise can help them get the strength and endurance they need to get through the hectic high school period.
6. Health problems
Adolescents are vulnerable emotionally and physically. Without proper nutrition and healthcare, they are susceptible to illnesses. According to a 2015 WHO report, 1.3 million adolescents died in 2015, a majority of who had preventable diseases.
- Teenagers have a hectic schedule as they hop from one activity to another with little time to eat or rest properly. Unhealthy eating habits prevent them from getting the nutrition they need.
- Consciousness about their body can lead to eating disorders, especially in girls. Adolescent girls who worry about their weight and appearance can develop disorders like anorexia or bulimia.
Stress can also lead to loss of appetite and sleeplessness in young children. - Unhealthy eating habits and a less active lifestyle could also lead to obesity – this is often the case when your child consumes a lot of empty calories through fast food and sodas.
Solution:
Parental guidance can help abate health problems in adolescence to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lead by example and encourage your children to eat healthy food, exercise right and sleep on time.
- Ensure they get nutrition through their meals. Give them a balanced diet.
- Be there for them emotionally and physically as this will help them deal with any possible disorders.
7. Psychological problems
Research has revealed that around 50% of mental health disorders that adults have, begin at the age of 14. In fact, one-third of adolescent deaths are suicides triggered by depression (1). If your child is overly moody and is not eating or sleeping at all, it is imperative you get professional help for them.
- Teenagers may have self-esteem or confidence issues. The feelings of inferiority or superiority often arise from their appearance, and acceptance of their body – skin color, beauty, and figure.
- Poor performance in academics and low IQ can also demotivate them. They develop the ‘I’m not good enough’ attitude towards life.
- Depression is one of the common psychological problems associated with adolescence.
- The stress and pressure of adolescence can create anxiety related issues, while mood swings can lead to conduct disorder or oppositional defiant disorder.
- Eating disorders are also psychosomatic as they start with the adolescent having a poor self-image and the need to change the way they look by any means.
Solution:
While moodiness and temper tantrums are normal in teenage girls and boys, they may not always be what they seem. Identifying symptoms of psychological problems in adolescence is not easy and needs the eye of an expert.
- Most of the time, talking about the problems and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent the onset of depression.
- If your child is overly moody and cynical, it is time to intervene and seek professional help if necessary.
- Sometimes, your teenage girl or boy may be unhappy only at home, and doing fine outside. Talk to the child’s teachers and friends to know if they are moody and disoriented at school as well. If they are, then it is a cause for concern.
- Do not brush away their feelings, as that can make things worse.
8. Social problems – dating and relationships
Attraction to the opposite sex begins during puberty. Adolescence is the time when their sexual or reproductive organs start developing. At such a vulnerable time, it is but natural for kids to feel awkward in social situations.
- Teenagers want to have an identity of their own. They tend to look up to role models at home or outside.
- Adolescents also start thinking about what is ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ and question your take on certain things.
- They need time to understand and get comfortable with their sexuality. Girls and boys start experiencing ‘weird’ feelings towards the other sex and may not know what to do about it.
- This is the time they start dating. Your adolescent may not be comfortable talking to you about it and may go with little information or misinformation they have about it.
- Competition is another important aspect of a teenager’s social life. Your child may compete with her peers in about anything and everything. Their spirit of competition speaks a lot about their perception of self – whether they have a positive self-esteem or a negative one.
- Sexual feelings and thoughts of sex may seem wrong to an adolescent, because of which they may feel guilty.
- Their social circle expands during this time as they seem occupied interacting with friends on social media sites, through their phone and outside.
Solution:
Here is how you can deal with social problems of adolescence –
- Dating, romance, and sex are delicate issues that your teenager may not be comfortable talking about. Don’t make it more awkward for your child. Be confident and rational when discussing the subject.
- Your child may seem to spend more time outside than with you. Accept that your adolescents are discovering a whole new world. Just let them know you are there when they need you.
- Sharing your dating and social life experiences in school can put them at ease sometimes.
9. Sexual health – unplanned pregnancy and STIs
The development of secondary sexual characteristics during adolescence gives rise to new feelings in teenagers and pushes them to experiment with their bodies.
- Adolescence is the time when teens experience their first kiss, the intimate dance with their ‘boyfriend’ or ‘girlfriend’ and secret make out sessions.
- Without proper guidance, teenagers may become sexually active before they are ready. This could result in unwanted pregnancies. Unwanted pregnancy is the biggest risk that adolescent girls face.
- Unprotected sex can also lead to sexually transmitted diseases like HIV.
Solution:
- Have ‘the talk’ with your kids as they may already be learning about sexual health and reproduction at school. Your duty as a parent is to ensure that they understand the importance of safe sex.
- The hormonal changes in teenagers may make them act impulsively. Your teen may not like it but it is important that you talk to them about the consequences of unprotected sex and how it can change their life.
- Awareness is the only way to prevent early pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in adolescents.