Adolescence Requires Understanding

Adolescence is the stage when the person moves from childhood to adulthood. It is considered one of the most difficult transitional stages as it is accompanied by rapid physiological changes in the physical and mental growth of the individual. It is also accompanied by many mixed psychological feelings. One of the most important manifestations of this stage is the desire to be independent and of identifying one’s self. This may reach the extent of rebelling against family rules. Usually at this stage, the girl resorts to stubbornness as she feels that she has become mature and old enough not to be treated like a little girl who is still monitored and directed by her family.

Despite her desire to be independent, she has not yet reached full maturity and lacks the necessary perception that would enable her to deal with the situations that she encounters. She is still in need of direction, but in a different manner. Thus, it is the duty of the family to react to her desire for independence, rebellion, and stubbornness by giving her a chance to express herself, and not dominate her. The mother should be by her side as if she is her friend who understands her feelings. She should not criticize her daughter too much and she should try to instruct her indirectly as this would let her feel that she is loved and appreciated. This helps in developing a sound personality for the girl. The family can also put reasonable standards and limits for the adolescent and adopt a stance that is characterized by love and understanding. This helps her attain maturity and satisfies many of her psychological needs. It helps the girl to form a positive view of herself and her status among others, which she derives from the way others regard her. She needs to know the stance of adults towards her, their satisfaction with her and their acknowledgment of her status. This makes her stable and helps her accept her role in life because lacking a clear role affects her attitude.
Finally, it is important that the parents are the role models for high values and that the girl would derive these morals from them and adopt them in her attitude.