Most of us realise that developing a sense of independence or autonomy is central to the process of adolescence. The need to cast off the identity defining reliance on significant adult care givers and establish a clear sense of individual definition and self reliance is a challenge that drives a great deal of teenage behaviour. […]
Continue readingConcerts Come & Go – But Friends Can Last Forever (well at least longer than a concert)
Just read an interesting post by Merideth over at Y Pulse which demonstrated a truth about teenage behaviour which is all too easily forgotten in our hyper consumer society- events are ultimately an excuse to hangout with friends. During the US recession teenage spending on movies and concerts dropped, but sales to that market of […]
Continue readingAcne, Mobile Phones, & Teenagers.
I have been doing some thinking about the number of teenagers with mobile phones. There has been a lot of talk in the media recently about sexting, cyber-bullying, and the like. While these are serious and important concerns, little attention seems to be given to the context of these evolving problems. While not wishing to […]
Continue readingThe Waitresses Guide For Connecting With Teenagers
I was reminded of an old psychology study the other night by a waitress who served my wife and I when we were at dinner. Not that the waitress said anything about the study, but what she did do was kneel down next to where we were sitting resting her arms on our table. By […]
Continue readingTeenage Depression: Causes and Prevention
In the previous post we looked at 5 things you can do if you think a teenager may be depressed. In this thrid and final post we will discuss what are the possible causes of depression, and how to lower the risk factors for teenagers getting depressed. What causes depression? There is no one definable […]
Continue reading5 Things to Do If You Think a Teenager is Depressed
In the previous post we looked at what constitutes depression and what some of the key indicators that suggest a teen may be depressed.In this post we will discuss 5 things you can do if you think a teenager may be depressed. Try Talking A great start is to try and talk to them about […]
Continue readingWhen is a Teenager Depressed?
“I’m really worried about him. He seems to be acting strange and is always angry. I think he might be depressed!” Comments like this are not uncommon from parents of teenagers. Given the emotional roller coaster that is adolescence, knowing how to distinguish between normal teenage angst and genuine clinical depression can be very confusing. […]
Continue readingAn Adult’s Secret Weapon for Relating to Teenagers
Statistics have never been my strong point. Whether I’m collating them, remembering them, or using them, it just seems to be hard work for me. But one stat I have never had trouble understanding, remembering or using is this one: 100% of adults have been teenagers. Sounds obvious I know, and every one I tell […]
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