Parenting adolescents can be difficult. The psychology of adolescence reveals this is a complex stage of life. Although young adults physically appear to be adult, their brains are not fully developed until they are in they’re early to mid-twenties. At the same time, their bodies are changing radically and they suddenly have an extraordinarily high level of hormones. The combination of a high level of hormones with an undeveloped brain and lack of life experience is difficult for anyone to handle. Adolescents may feel overwhelmed by the many decisions with which they are faced. Pressure to fit socially is another problem for many adolescents whose self-esteem has not yet been internally defined.

Most parents wish to give their children the ideal childhood to prepare them for adulthood.  Life invariably interferes.  Difficult and stressful situations happen, trauma happens.  Stress and trauma have a profound effect on genes and brain chemistry.   Genes and brain chemistry affect the thoughts, feelings and behavior of an adolescent.  Sometimes they need help learning how to cope with those feelings, thoughts and behaviors.

Adolescents are in a normal stage of growth during which they are naturally recognizing that they are different from their parents.  Nature has put a drive into adolescents, which the field of psychiatry calls “individuation.”  Adolescents are supposed to begin to become individuals, different from their parents.   If adolescents feel they have much to rebel against, the problems between parent and child may become more intense.  The result is that they can become depressed, develop an addiction or eating disorder or rebel in other ways.   At the other end of the continuum, adolescents can be frightened by parent’s well-intentioned warnings.  When frightened they may not try to individuate, resulting in a delay or end of the individuation growth process.   This may lead to other problems later in life.

It is helpful to have other adults involved with the adolescent.  They may be mentors, teachers, Scout leaders, or relatives.  Many people can help break the tension between parent and adolescent.  It is best if these adults have an education that helps them understand adolescent development, so they can help the parent and adolescent understand each another.

This is when creative therapy can be helpful.  Creative therapy reduces the anxiety adolescents’ feel when verbal therapy is used.  Adolescents can focus on being creative resulting in their feeling less self-conscious. The use of symbols and metaphor (the basis of art therapy) helps adolescents in their process of individuation through self-discovery, definition, and awareness while building self-esteem.  Art therapy helps adolescents begin to individuate safely.  Art therapy uses the natural, healthy drive to individuate and directly channels it into an open, honest, deep and sincere process of self-discovery and growth.

For more information on self esteem and relationships, please see Anne’s articles at ezinearticles.com.