10
crucial subjects to talk about with your teenagers
The
teen years are a highly vulnerable time for children. A youngster takes crucial
decisions at this age that will either make or break their future. Therefore,
it is imperative for parents to talk with their children about certain
sensitive topics. This is done to prevent them from being misled in public.
The
following are crucial subjects to go over with your teens:
1. Changes to the body and emotions
Pubertal
changes are one of the key changes that characterise adolescence, therefore
parents no longer need to be embarrassed to talk about them with their
adolescents.
According
to Wikipedia, puberty is the physical process that transforms a child's body
into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. You need to talk to your
teenagers about the physical and emotional changes they will start to go
through and help them realise that these changes are a natural part of their
body's development during this period. Without withholding any crucial information
from them, this subject should be conveyed honestly and as plainly as possible.
2. Academic requirements
Your
teenagers are currently gradually being exposed to more academic material, and
there are high expectations for their academic performance. They start taking
important exams that determine whether they move on to the next stage of their
academic studies. You should sit down with your teenagers and go over your
expectations for them academically as well as how you two can collaborate to
help them attain academic greatness. If necessary, you might pay a private
tutor to assist your adolescent in their academic endeavours.
3. Sex
In
the modern world, there is a lot of sex. It appears in songs, films,
literature, and advertisements. It's important to talk about sex with your
teenagers because none of us wants them to start having sex so young in life.
Make sure they are aware of the risks associated with premarital sex and why it
is preferable for them to wait until they are married before engaging in it.
Additionally, as this virtue is eroding in our generation, you should help them
understand the honour and beauty of remaining virgins until their wedding
night.
4. Personal Freedom
Teenagers
have a constant quest for personal freedom. They view this time as a chance to
travel and discover new places. We as parents cannot protect and shield our
children indefinitely. However, we must convey to our teenagers the importance
of personal accountability that comes with personal freedom. After all, if
their freedom is abused, it will be their life that is destroyed.
5. Peer pressure and friendship
No
of their age, parents will need to have a conversation with their kids about
peer pressure and friend choices because those decisions will ultimately shape
who they become. As a parent, you should talk to your kids about the value of
self-acceptance and self-esteem because knowing this will influence their
friendship choices.
Additionally,
tell your adolescents that if peer pressure isn't constructive, they shouldn't
give in because it will have a bad result. You can also discuss your past
experiences and any mistakes you may have made with them. Request from them
some of their personal experiences. Last but not least, continually reassure
them that you are the best and most dependable person in their lives.
6. Dating
It
is imperative to have a dating conversation with your teenagers. The world is
changing quickly, and numerous unhealthy behaviours are now accepted as the
standard. You should have a conversation with your teenagers about what a
romantic relationship entails when it's OK to be in one, how to create
boundaries, and any prerequisites they must fulfil before entering a
relationship.
7. Bullying
You
should be aware of your child's propensity for bullying as a decent and
responsible parent. Many people's memories of the Sylvester Oromoni case from
Dowen College are still fresh.
Your
teen has to be taught about bullying, including what it is, how to avoid
becoming a victim of bullying, and its repercussions. In order for your kids to
open up to you when they are being bullied, you should make sure that they are
free to speak with you.
8. Alcohol and drug use
In
practically every aspect of our culture today, drug and alcohol use is
prevalent. Teenagers look to their parents as good role models in this area
because they are more likely to obey us when we are living examples of the
lessons, we are trying to teach them. You need to be honest with them about
what you saw and heard when you were their age and provide examples of
individuals you know who have had or are currently experiencing the negative
impacts of drug or alcohol abuse.
9. Depression
Another
difficult topic to broach with teenagers is depression. Most adults are afraid to
seek treatment because mental health issues are so stigmatised in our culture.
Now consider how difficult it will be for a teen to open up. Parents must talk
honestly about depression. Your teens should be informed about it and how it
impacts individuals. Parents must foster an atmosphere where their children
feel comfortable approaching them and communicating their feelings. The
difference between receiving assistance in time and it being too late can often
be determined by one's ability to feel secure.
10. Spirituality and faith
The
variety of religions in modern culture might lead to peculiar faith and
spirituality in each household. Regardless of our differing worldviews, we must
teach our teenagers that a Supreme being is in charge of our lives. and for
them to understand the importance of doing what He says with their lives.
Depending
on how you approach it and how well you understand the quirks of teenagers,
training a teenager may be the easiest or hardest task you ever take on as
parents or guardians. In the end, you should exert every effort to raise your
kids into mature adults as soon as possible.