Emotional Changes Found in Adolescent Boys
Your adolescent son may seem to be turning into a completely different individual than he once was. What is happening to him, and why? There are many changes, and reasons for them. Read on to discover more about teenage boys.
Anger
A troubling issue that many parents of teenage boys notice, is that their sons begin to display what seems to be a large amount of anger. There are a few factors that contribute to this, and it is a very normal emotion that comes into play at this part of a young man’s life.
One part of the equation is the feeling that life is unfair, and the frustration and powerlessness that come with feeling more independent yet still having to deal with someone else making all the rules. You can partially avoid this issue by rewarding your son’s maturity by giving him extra privileges and chances for independence.
Another part of the equation is the fact that puberty brings with it many hormones and chemical changes which influence your son’s emotions. This can lead to surges of anger as he attempts to deal with these new feelings. As your son works through his anger, keep tabs on him to ensure that his anger is not an unending battle for him, as continuous anger can be a sign of depression.
Moodiness
Moodiness is another emotion found commonly in adolescent boys. The hormones that their body produces can lead to confusing feelings. This causes mood swings, and feelings that can fluctuate between excitement and fearlessness to feeling sad and low within a matter of moments.
Your son will often take his strongest feelings out on those he feels comfortable with, and since you are likely one of those closest to him, you will often bear the worst of it. This proves your son’s comfort level with you, and therefore should not be always taken as a negative sign.
Isolation
Although teenage boys will go through periods where they want nothing but their friends, they may also display signs of isolation at times. This is normal as your son tries to figure out who and what he wants in his world. If your son is spending an extraordinary amount of time alone, however, it is important to talk to him and see exactly what is going on. Extreme isolation can be a sign of depression that needs to be dealt with.
Aggression
As puberty hits, aggression will rear its head in the lives of the boys who are going through it. This is necessary in part to help young boys become men who will stand up for important issues in life, and not back down.
Aggression can be used in a way that can benefit your son and others. It can also be channeled into physical activity that will help your son get in shape, and let him begin to feel good about himself. Enroll your son in a martial art of his choice, or any sport that requires determined participation.
Guiding your son through the emotional storms of adolescence does not have to be a constantly troubling situation. Instead, use the signs of emotional change that your son shows to learn more about him and where he is at. With your support, he will grow to be a stable and solid young man.
Emotional Changes Found in Adolescent Girls
Adolescence is a challenging time for all who pass through it. It is not easy changing from a child into an adult, and for girls there are many extra issues that can cause emotional upheaval. Here are some of those changes you may notice your daughter experiencing at this particular time in her life.
Moodiness
Moodiness is a normal part of adolescence, and your daughter may feel it dramatically due to premenstrual syndrome, more commonly known as PMS. Your daughter’s monthly cycle can make her feel moody to the extreme, causing her to swing up and down emotionally.
You can help your daughter by encouraging her to participate in regular exercise, and eat foods that will stabilize PMS symptoms such as healthy fats from sources like nuts and avocados. Taking care of herself is something that will benefit both your daughter and those around her, and will be a skill that benefits her for her entire life.
Insecurity
Changes in friends, schools, body and emotions may cause your daughter to have many moments of insecurity. From feeling as though her friends have turned their backs on her, to times of not feeling totally comfortable with all the changes in her life, your teenage daughter is likely to experience many bouts of insecurity.
Remind her that no matter what changes may happen, you will always be her biggest cheerleader… and then be sure to back up your words with action.
Sensitive
Adolescence is the time in life where your words as a parent really count. Although this is always true, it is especially true knowing that whatever you say will make such a great impact – whether for good or not. This is a time in life when your child is feeling the most vulnerable to criticism. Choose your words carefully and think twice before correcting your daughter for trivial issues that can be overlooked.
Depression
Unfortunately, depression is becoming more and more common. If your daughter is walking through this, be the best support you can, and choose to love rather than judge. Encourage your daughter to talk to a counsellor or physician about her problem. There is help available if you know where to look.
Be aware for signs such as irritability, withdrawal from friends, and loss of pleasure in favorite activities that may signal a deeper problem of this nature.
Peer Dependence
It may drive you crazy, but peer dependence is one of the common emotional changes found in adolescent girls. While before you may have been your little girl’s hero, you will now find her pulling away from you and drawing closer to her friends.
Instead of being overly critical of this, simply give your child the opportunity to find a good, solid group of friends. Involve your daughter in activities with those who may share her faith and personal interests, as this will allow her to branch out and find a variety of close friends that will last. Some of the friends that your daughter finds in her youth will be friends for life.
Adolescence is not easy for young women. With all the struggles faced by them, it takes much support and courage to make it through. Be the person your child can look up to and lean on in these challenging times of her life, and it will change her entire life for the better.
