This most awkward of times presents a challenge to parents,
healthcare providers, certainly to the teenagers themselves, and, ultimately,
our society. The adolescent experiences changes emotionally, physically,
and mentally. He or she begins to both test the limits and strive to learn
how to handle these changes. The biggest questions are those of identity:
Who am I? Where do I fit in? Where do I belong? Who do I associate with?
Unfortunately, identity formation oftentimes means a rejection of the closest
likeness—the parents. During this stage, rebelliousness, mood swings, and
oppositional behavior become the distinguishing developmental traits of
a teenager.
The tendency for adolescents to not have the capacity
to self-monitor or self-assess behavior, can, in some cases, prove fatal.
Hence, situations like speeding, unprotected sex, and alcohol and drug
consumption become some of the most disturbing consequences of unbound
adolescent behavior. When adolescents feel invincible, their capacity to
accurately judge their own behavior and avoid extreme risk is not yet formed.
Effective communication can be an important tool in keeping your teenager
safe.
Danger
and Excitement
