BY RICHARD TEO
Staff Writer
From adolescence to adulthood, the teenage years in particular mark the turning point in one’s life for realism. The shift from freedom to responsibility becomes the focus of that particular journey. Teenagers are children but they’re also adults. A silly metaphor, of course, they’re not one or the other. They do, however, need guidance and that comes from the wisdom from all walks of life, adults especially. The issue is that both Adults and teenagers suffer from ego problems. Arguments are made without conforming to a middle ground and both parties end up confused about their relationship. A common problem with families. The Parent refuses to acknowledge the voice and then forces an authoritarian attitude towards their children. Teenagers will overestimate their dangers and will defensively reciprocate the attitude that is presented to them. Mental health is not a common topic for adults and therefore, it is natural for them to be ignorant about what to do. But the issue isn’t their expertise in the field but rather their refusal to admit they’re wrong. Teenagers are more prone to suicidal thoughts and require more development before they are fully mature. However, the rates of suicide and child neglect aren’t decreasing due to the natural emergence of the parenthood authoritarian ego. Respect needs to be taught and reciprocated between adults and their children. Discipline shouldn’t require the use of physical punishment or verbal abuse which in turn could damage a child’s mental health. The first thing that adults seem to misunderstand is the “age grants wisdom” phenomenon which may be true in some ways. Still, the potential for distancing is not far off since teenagers will eventually be affected by the way their parents or guardians handle their situation. Adults need to learn how to sympathize with children by reciprocating a more gentle, authoritative representation of parenting to them. Violence and abuse are often the cause of a mind gone wrong. Now it’s not to say that when a child is right, all his discipline is waived or abandoned. But like all relationships, communication is key to a better bond. Only a few would know that these days due to the psychological terrors of the past and different eras that most parents grew up with. It’s only common that an abused child will become the father that lashes out his frustrations amongst his kids. That’s why the change needs to happen now as we take a deeper look into the lives of our future generations who will then repeat the cycle of constant improvement.