Being a teenager has never been easy. But it is becoming harder for the upcoming generations. With the advent of social media, peer pressure has burgeoned in size. Everything gets documented; your faux pas, your awkward teenage face, the zits, and the acne. Lo and behold if you make any error or have an accident; it literally takes 2 seconds for things to go viral. Your trip down the stairs can be viewed by a distant cousin on another continent.
Suffice to say, being a teenager is difficult in terms of social pressures. Unfortunately, that’s not all. Teenage is marked by puberty, a phase where hormones are going haywire. It poses all sorts of superficial challenges for both girls and boys. Their bodies undergo metamorphosis due to which their appearances change drastically.
Not every teenager makes peace easily with their changed looks. Most end up finding themselves ‘ugly’. This can be much worse for children who do not conform to the typical idea of good looks and they can get bullied as well. Therefore, teenage is a very volatile time.
It is hence very likely that teenagers succumb to these pressures and suffer from self-esteem issues. While it may be a momentary phase for certain adolescents, however, some might get deeply impacted by these problems, which can also shape the trajectory of their life ahead as well. If parents feel that their teenager might be undergoing problems and are not forthcoming about their issues, it is best to get help from the top psychiatrist in Lahore.
However, apart from contacting a professional, parents have to play their part as well. The sort of emotional support that parents can provide runs unparalleled.
Literally talk to your children
Teenagers might find confiding in their parents hard. The machismo effect from just having hit puberty prevents them from having a heart to heart with the parents, no matter how much they’d want to otherwise.
Parents, on the other hand, have to be persistent. Their children should know that they are always willing and ready to listen. Mocking, teasing or reprimanding them whenever the teenagers end up having a meaningful conversation will prevent them from considering their parents as their confidantes.
Also, parents should try their individualistic approach of connecting with their children, as each child is unique. Sure, take tips from the experiences of family and friends, but you know best how to deal with your child, and thus follow in your hunch.
Positive Reinforcement is important
Validation is important. Teenagers might not find a lot of it in school and hence it is extremely vital for the home environment to be lined with positivity. They should know that they are worthy, able, and extremely talented teenagers, regardless of how the world perceives them.
They might seem skeptical about it, but do not be demotivated. This positivity will chip away at the gargantuan negativity that seems to envelop them at all times. Teach them how to build themselves and overcome any deficiencies they may seem to possess. Moreover, teach them the art of positive self-talk.
Also, as teenagers over-emphasize looks, tell your children that they are beautiful. Do not let the insecure world deprive them of their faith in their looks.
Perfection is overrated anyways
Perhaps due to the superficial, flawless world teenagers have curated online, or perhaps they are still babes in the wood, teenagers want perfection. Sometimes, it is the family that pressurizes about their grades, etc., which translates into reduced self-esteem.
Parents have to debunk the concept of perfection. Whether it be grades or extracurricular activities, what is more, important is that children learn in the entire process. They should be told by their parents that the concept of accomplishment does not have to be coming first or scoring highest, but the growth of any sort is meaningful.
Moreover, some children are hard on themselves, themselves. Hence, parents have to actively show their support and teach that mistakes are also learning opportunities. Rather than chasing the accolades, teenagers should be taught to have experienced.
If parents are unsuccessful, a top psychiatrist in Karachi can also be of help in reaching out to the children.
