The teen years are a time of immense change and growth, both
physically and emotionally.
Teens are going through a period of self-discovery, identity
formation, and transition from childhood to adulthood. This can be
a challenging and often painful process.
Growth is painful!
Teens experience physical growth spurts, hormonal changes, and
the development of their brain and cognitive abilities. These
changes can be uncomfortable and may lead to feelings of
awkwardness or insecurity.
Even more painful sometimes is growth in terms of emotional
intelligence and maturity.
Change is painful!
There are so many life-changing events that take place as teens
grow and mature such as transitioning from middle school to high
school, forming new friendships, and dealing with changing family
dynamics.
These changes can be stressful and unsettling, causing strong
emotions and anxiety.
Being stuck where you don’t belong!
Teens struggle with the pressure to conform to societal
expectations, peer pressure, and the desire to fit in. This often
causes them to create their own expectations which at times are
higher than they need to be and causes even more stress and
strong emotions.
When teens feel like they don’t belong in their current
circumstances, whether it’s at school, within their family, or among
their peers, it can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and
depression.
It’s important for parents, caregivers, and educators to be aware
of these challenges and provide support to teens during this
critical period of development.
Encouraging open communication and fostering a sense of
belonging and acceptance will help support teens in feeling that
they have the freedom to grow, change, and discover their true
selves without fear of judgment or rejection.