- Home
- Kids and Teens
- Counseling Teens
Counseling Teens
- By Gerald Adams
- Published Saturday 21st 2009
- Kids and Teens
- Unrated
Teens today pride themselves on modern technology such as cell phones, iPods, digital cameras and the Internet. Unfortunately the emergence of all these devices and Internet, means teenagers are prone to cyber-bullying or bullying through text. The problem is compounded by the fact that most parents, educators and counselors do not know how to deal with it. As a result students who endure bullying, threats and intimidation from text, voice mail, email and even social-networking internet sites do not know who to turn to. Most do not realize, that they can simply put a stop to it by turning off the cell phone, the blog or other device. Teens need to shut these devices at least temporarily and focus on what is important. Parents need to be clear about how to handle a threatening or intimidating message, so that they can ably guide their children in such a situation.
Teens in school face a lot of peer pressure to confirm. A child between 12-15 years of age develops an extreme value of friendships and a desire to be accepted by interested peer groups. This interest is a shift from the nurture of parents and the pre-adolescent age. These problems include the outbursts of bad behavior, lying, profanity and other forms of supposed disrespect. Some of which is solely done as a display that they are in control and to impress their peers who may be watching. Usually talking one on one with them leads to a change in attitude. So try to get them on their own.
Life changes
I believe it is important for anyone working with youth to see these changes and recognize them for what they are. Most of the time you will have success in building relationships of trust with teens when you understand the struggles they face. It is important to hear them out and at listen carefully. This trust may become the very bridge you need to offer them helpful advice and be listened to.
Coping
It is very important for any adult who deals with youth to learn the skills necessary to help youth cope with the changes going on around them. Be respectful and show empathy. You will find that many of the struggles they face will be similar to those each of us endured as we rode the ladder to adulthood. When you are counseling, try no just to offer advice. Listening can make you much more effective and prevent your advice from falling on dead ears.
Teens in school face a lot of peer pressure to confirm. A child between 12-15 years of age develops an extreme value of friendships and a desire to be accepted by interested peer groups. This interest is a shift from the nurture of parents and the pre-adolescent age. These problems include the outbursts of bad behavior, lying, profanity and other forms of supposed disrespect. Some of which is solely done as a display that they are in control and to impress their peers who may be watching. Usually talking one on one with them leads to a change in attitude. So try to get them on their own.
Life changes
I believe it is important for anyone working with youth to see these changes and recognize them for what they are. Most of the time you will have success in building relationships of trust with teens when you understand the struggles they face. It is important to hear them out and at listen carefully. This trust may become the very bridge you need to offer them helpful advice and be listened to.
Coping
It is very important for any adult who deals with youth to learn the skills necessary to help youth cope with the changes going on around them. Be respectful and show empathy. You will find that many of the struggles they face will be similar to those each of us endured as we rode the ladder to adulthood. When you are counseling, try no just to offer advice. Listening can make you much more effective and prevent your advice from falling on dead ears.