Am I still important to my teenager?
Do certain reactions from your teenager make you question the importance you have in their life? It's completely normal. Adolescence is a period of profound transformation, but even though young people seek to emancipate themselves, the role of parents remains fundamental in their lives and development.
To remember
👉It is normal for teenagers to seek emancipation, but parents remain essential figures in their lives.
👉Understanding the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty and brain development allows for better support of your teenager.
The essential role of parents during puberty
Puberty is a complex stage where young people have to deal with significant physical and psychological changes. These transformations are sometimes difficult for teenagers to accept and can alter their self-perception and raise new concerns about their rapidly changing bodies.
Teenagers do not experience this period in the same way or at the same pace, which can complicate matters for parents. Discussing puberty before it occurs is a wise approach to reassure young people and help them better prepare for it. If you don't feel comfortable discussing this topic with your child, it is possible to turn to books or websites, like ours, that are full of information!
This creates a foundation of trust where they feel supported and listened to, strengthening the bond with your teen during these turbulent years.
Understanding brain development for better support
Although the brain is 95% developed by the age of five, some parts continue to form until early adulthood, leading to variations in young people's behaviors and reactions. In particular, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for thinking and judgment, only reaches maturity in the twenties.
On the other hand, from the beginning of adolescence, the limbic system, which governs emotions, is fully functional. This explains why teenagers seek strong emotions and feelings of immediate pleasure, often with little regard for future consequences.
Understanding these mechanisms can help parents take an empathetic and patient approach to guiding their children in this quest for identity, while ensuring their safety and well-being.
Recognizing and responding to the needs of the teenager, such as the quest for autonomy and intimacy, strengthens family relationships in the face of the challenges of adolescence.
Source: CIUSSS de la Capitale-Nationale.
