Teenagers – Part 2

Yesterday as I was rushing out of the bathroom, my towel hit a glass clock in the corner of the counter.  I stood it up and exited.  Last night as I removed my makeup and washed my face, I didn’t pay any attention to it.  During the night in the light of the nightlight, I File Apr 01, 9 47 43 AMhad trouble reading it and fluffed it off.  I figured it had stopped and needed new batteries.

It wasn’t  until this morning that I realized the clock was upside down.  Teenage years are often that way too.  Things are upside down too for a few continuous years.   Life as we know it flips.   People and their attitudes become foreign and changing.

Teenagers are disconnected as they try to fit in with one another.  Friends change and groups form.  Their relationships with Mom or Dad or siblings change.   Attitudes of non compliance or rolling of the eyes at every suggestion occur.   Learning becomes more difficult.  Trying to be independent meets with making mistakes and embarrassment.  No one seems to understand.    Responsibilities are often too much work.

During these times, some teens just forge ahead while other shut down.  Parents get jarred.  All these reactions that they anticipated coming now are happening in spurts.   It is troubling and one cannot decide if this is natural or a bit more serious.  Paying attention and cutting off negative habits isn’t a bad idea.  But how does one really know what is appropriate?

Which takes us to the society in which we live.  We must stay connected with schools, clubs, activities, agencies, and our local park districts.  We need to take advantage of the services all of these places offer.  Our needs may be changing, as well as, those of our children during these teen years.  Marriages, occupations, spiritual, and financial arenas are all evolving.   We must participate for ourselves and our families.

Next to Part 3–a few more thoughts to help you “Delight in Living”!