Are you a parent of an adolescent? This session is for you. Understanding the features of adolescents would definitely help you to manage the adolescent behavior and also to extend an empathic care to the teenager when he/she going through the period of 'storm and stress'.
As part of an overall struggle for independence and freedom the young person rebels against his/her parents. The young person will reject the attitudes, opinions, and advice of parents and may accuse them of being 'old-fashioned', 'stupid', or 'out of touch'. This rebellion may be mild or severe depending upon the temperament of the individual.
Adolescence is a time when the young person is looking for his/her own identity and needs to experiment with different ways of looking. There is a constant preoccupation with appearance and body-image and, as a result, the adolescent will monopolise the bathroom, and spend hours in the bedroom. Although this behaviour is more common among girls, boys are becoming more fashion-conscious and concerned about the way they look.
In adolescence, peer group friendships become very important and a lot of time is spent in the company of friends. This influences the adolescent's behaviour, appearance, way of speaking, etc., and is a potential source of friction between the adolescent and his/her parents. The peer group can provide valuable support to an adolescent, and an opportunity to 'let off steam' when thing at home get difficult.
Because of bodily changes and sexual development young people become more interested in sexual matters. This is one of the major characteristics of adolescence. During this time they will need to learn how to channel the sexual urges they experience into acceptable sexual behaviour. All adolescents need clear information and guidance regarding sexual development, and about forming close relationships.