Adolescence in crisis: what parents can do
Introduction.
The most profitable investment a society can possess is a harvest of discipline and future God-fearing leaders. This comes true through proper care, which creates a conducive environment for young people to learn and unlearn the good things and the various vices respectively in society. This concern for the young should be carried out through proper direction and guidance, and even charities for them when the need arises.
The focus should not only be on their bad deeds, but also on encouraging their good deeds. They become stubborn if they are punished and their kindness is never appreciated. However, one becomes a poor mentor if he always wants to fish for them instead of teaching them how to fish. They must be taught to do the things they themselves have shown them the way. The attitude of some young people as consumers and never producers retards their growth in every branch of life. Older people have the obligation to make young people aware of the great potential that they can materialize as a contribution to the growth of society, to which due recognition must be given for better and better performance in the near future.
However, today’s stable of youth is the by-product of our society. It is an indisputable fact that the attitude of young people today is not innate but acquired. No thanks to the spirit of consumerism in our world, this is being fostered by materialism. The massive participation of youth in vices is the result of the social projection of negativity at the expense of thinking or a positive approach to things. Probably, if we are positive in our approach, things can start to change, like “discipline movement, dignity at work movement” and the like.
1. In fact, adolescence can be a turbulent time.
“Young people who obey the law are wise; those who seek useless companions shame their parents.”
Life moves by stages in its gradual and sequential movement, it is inseparable from crosses or canvases. Crosses and canvases seem to be the bricks with which the structure called life was built. It is really right that a normal mind sometimes wonders why in life harshness precedes joy.
A United Nations report has aptly described adolescence as “a transition period commonly characterized by stress and anxiety.” In fact, adolescence can be a turbulent time. Characteristic acts of indiscipline predominate in this crucial period of adolescence, such as truancy, theft, fights, alcohol and tobacco consumption among minors, disrespect for elders, drug abuse, abuse sex, deceit, indecent clothing, lies and violence; to mention just a few. All this constitutes what is generally known as juvenile delinquency.
2. Criminal behavior in adolescents.
Criminal behavior in adolescents, if not handled properly, can lead to a permanent deformation of the person and character of adolescents. Therefore, it is essential that parents know how to properly manage these common but sensitive problems associated with adolescence. “Children need a strong moral center,” says Dr. Robert Shaw, “the kind of anchor that helps them choose the right friends, make the right decisions, and view others with empathy.” Parents can provide this moral center by paying attention to the following:
Yo. Build positive relationship between parents and children.
This can only be achieved when parents can spend more time with their children and learn to listen carefully. It is essential for parents to build family bonding and a positive parent-child relationship. Always be there for your children when they need you. In some cases, effective moral instructions were thrown to the wind. I wonder what society would attempt without a strong moral foundation.
The family that serves as the first great apprenticeship also witnessed the rise of the maid’s reign, as today the mother is in Kano on business and the husband is in Hong Kong on a trip. Therefore, the children are poorly cared for; love for children has now turned into love for money.
ii. Monitor your child’s activities.
Monitoring here does not imply that parents “monitor” their children. It is a fact that unsupervised youth can easily get into trouble. Always ask where your child is going, with whom and for what. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your child is old enough to know who to move in with, where to go, and where not to go.
iii. Establish rules and guidelines to regulate your child’s behavior.
These rules and guidelines are intended to instill discipline in your child. Appropriate discipline must be applied firmly and consistently when these rules are posted. The Bible says, “Foolishness is bound up with a boy’s heart, but the rod of discipline drives it away from him” (Proverbs 2:15). Learn to discipline your child. He be firm, but he also be gentle and kind. Remember, children who receive little discipline when they grow up may have a difficult time becoming self-disciplined later in life.
IV. Get to know his son’s friends.
The fact that you do not allow your children to return home with their friends means that you will never be able to meet those who may really be shaping your child’s mind and character. Good parents aren’t afraid to make their opinions known about their children’s friends. Do not hesitate to separate your children from friends who can ruin the character and person of your children. Know this, “children,” says Richard L. Strauss, “are the sum of what parents contribute to their lives.” Therefore, help your child to choose appropriate friends.
v. Adopt a “democratic” parenting style.
Let your child’s voice be heard. The best way to get your children to open up to you is to never “mute” your children’s voice. Making the home environment pleasant and friendly helps keep children at home, closer, and more open to their parents. So love, care and be attentive to your children.
saw. Be an example to follow.
What you do in the presence of your children matters a lot. The best way to be successful as a parent is to follow the advice you give your own children. The Lord warns. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and be drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matthew 18:5-6). . Parents, be responsible, teach your children by example.
The divine mandate for parents to raise their children in the way of the Lord is of immense spiritual and psychological benefits for the parents themselves. “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest, he will give joy to your heart.” Proverbs 29:17). Helping adolescents in crisis is an integral part of building a solid foundation for tomorrow for human society.
Parents who spend their time and energy providing a strong moral anchor for their wards are wise investors. As the Bible says, “disciplining and rebuking the child produces wisdom, but the mother is insulted by the undisciplined child” (Proverbs 29:15).
3. Predicaments of the juvenile period.
This challenging “cross crown” life phenomenon, which cuts across all stages of life, reaches its apex in the age of youth. Although each stage of life has its difficulties, those of the juvenile period are more. The juvenile period is a stage that constitutes the determining factor of man’s luck in life. In other words, it is the one in which man becomes the architect of his fortunes or his misfortunes.
It is marked or characterized primarily by vigour, vitality, strength, and liveliness. Although it is a set of favorable qualities, these values, however, could be abused if the young person does not take advantage of them properly.
The failure to adequately explore these golden values of the juvenile period is due to the tendency towards “quick response”, which is the great thorn incarnate in this period. This destructive tendency frustrates or deprives young people of the strong will to endure or endure the stresses that they must necessarily face on the road to success. Indeed, the young man may seek solace in what she perceives as a shortcut to success.
Conclution.
The responsibility now falls on the parents. I wish to remind all parents that they are obligated to pay due attention to their children by providing them with the necessary guidance, direction and support. Children are a gift from God to parents and they will be held accountable to God for how those gifts are directed. Many parents have failed in their duties because they seek wealth and therefore do not create time to care for their children.
Each family must examine itself to see how it has contributed to the vices of today’s society and rectify them. If each family can bravely look inward to sanitize itself, the young will be planted the probe of their vices and virtues.
Every family should care about the way of life of each family member. To the extent that parents are expected to lead, they should show good examples that can be emulated to live a life of deceit that causes children to live an unfulfilled life.