What is adolescence?

To begin with, adolescence is the stage in which a person moves within society from childhood to adulthood. It often ranges from the age of twelve to twenty-one and is accompanied by physiological, psychological, and social changes. This period can be divided chronologically into early, middle, and late stages, each with its own characteristics and changes.

What are the psychological and physical changes during adolescence?

1. Psychological changes.

The individual becomes tense and prone to mood swings. They are usually irritable and angry and become highly sensitive to many things, situations, people, and ideas. They develop self-awareness concerning themselves, their body, and the changes they are experiencing.

2. Physiological changes.

These occur as a result of hormonal changes. Both appearance and hormones change, whether the adolescent is male or female, and the people around them begin to notice these changes.

3. Social changes, including:

  • The adolescent wants to establish their own identity:This means having an identity of their own in everything they do and wanting others to respect it. It becomes difficult for parents to adjust from having a child under their control who follows their instructions to having a child who asserts a personal identity in relation to others.
  • Independence:They prefer independence in their personal affairs and want to have their own belongings and matters relating to the home or school. They may also become independent in their opinions, prefer to hold a distinct view, and try to assert it.
  • Gaining new experiences:They prefer to try anything new in life and enjoy taking risks regardless of the outcome. When a particular opportunity arises, they like to venture into it and expect to gain experience, recognition, or a challenge among friends or siblings.
  • ​​​​​​​They like to own things.
  • They like to assert their opinion and hold on to it, regardless of their father or mother.
  • They may do things that fall outside established social values and customs.This affects the parents, while the adolescent is also influenced by the people and situations around them, such as friends. They are also affected by social media, which has a major influence on adolescents. Social media and the internet may draw them into unhealthy relationships.

Adolescence and psychological changes.

A range of psychological disorders may appear in adolescents and cause parents anxiety and concern. Some adolescents experience difficult situations that lead to behaviors such as excessive lying, stealing, and repeatedly using offensive language. These behavioral disorders are relatively rare because they tend to occur within disrupted families. Today, parents have also become more aware of how to deal with adolescents.

Advice for dealing with children during adolescence.

Dealing with an adolescent is not difficult, but it requires understanding and awareness from both parents. When a child enters adolescence, the parents should build a special relationship with them. Some of the most important guidance we offer parents for dealing with adolescents includes the following:

  1. Discuss your children’s problems with them and understand those problems:Do so before these problems become worse. Parents should therefore accept the changes that occur in an adolescent’s behavior, whether in their body, psychological state, or anything else happening in their life during adolescence. We should expect to see all kinds of changes from them.
  2. Parents should respect the adolescent and the changes they are experiencing:They should respect the adolescent’s feeling that they are growing up and establishing their place in the world. Parents should therefore sit and engage with them, reward the positive things they may do during the day, and show them that what they do matters.
  3. It is important to avoid insults and abusive language in front of them:This may drive them to turn to bad companions and tell them how their family treats them, and those companions may then draw them into negative behavior and actions. Adolescents should therefore be addressed in a kind and respectful manner.
  4. Do not use harsh treatment:Do not use it to encourage an adolescent to study, for example, because they are already under the pressures of adolescence, examinations, and studying. They will therefore be unable to bear further pressure or harsh treatment. Parents should understand that this is a very sensitive age and that the adolescent has a certain level of energy and ability when studying and cannot give more than that. Parents should support their adolescent child and understand their needs and abilities.
  5. Seeking help from mental health counselors: If parents feel unable to respond appropriately to the adolescent, they can seek help and support from counselors. If the adolescent’s condition is difficult, they can take them to a specialist who can offer some guidance. Simple advice, love, attention, empathy, and affection can help adolescence pass peacefully. In the long term, the parents will have given the adolescent a sound foundation, and when they grow older, they will appreciate what their parents provided.

Adolescence is considered one of the most critical stages a person experiences during their physical and psychological growth and development. Parents are therefore responsible for making good use of this period by investing in their children’s abilities and directing them positively. This cannot be achieved without embracing the adolescent, meeting their emotional needs, and giving them personal space. Parents must also understand that their child is no longer a young child.