 image credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=2125 | Fighting ECD: What Teens Can Do Are you tired of your parents nagging you? Do you feel like no matter what, they treat you as a child? Are you frustrated by the restrictions on your behavior that seem unreasonable and are based solely on your age? Do you feel like adults do not value your opinions, thoughts, or feelings because of your age? Are you tired of being punished, nagged, or told what to do and what not to? As a modern teen, you may feel stressed, frustrated, and restricted. Everyone around you expects something from you and the pressure to succeed in all areas of life is intense. You may feel like you have no control over your life and that you are walled in by rules and restrictions. You may have feelings of depression, hopelessness, and anger. The good news is that you are not alone and that there are productive ways to deal with these feelings and to gain some control and direction. Socialize with Adults: spend time with teachers and other adults that you admire, or even do an internship with an adult in a field in which you have interest. This will help you to develop strong communication skills and to have connections which give you social influence. The more you are around adults and the more that you act like an adult, the more you will be treated like one. Work: a part-time job will give you useful experience and allow you to have an income over which you have control. You'll be able to get experience managing money and being in a work environment. You'll also get the chance to network with adults and gain insight and information. You may also want to volunteer. Either situation will put you in place of power where you can manage your own affairs. Don't Fall Prey to Stereotypical Thinking: do not allow the low opinions most adults have of teens to creep into your thinking. Many teens say things like "I'm just a kid," or "that's how we're supposed to act." This kind of thinking will only bring you down and make gaining control over your life harder for you. Know Yourself: Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses, your goals and interests. Knowing what you want will give you a sense of direction and help you to formulate a life plan. It's perfectly normal to feel confused or nervous when making decisions about your future. The important thing to remember is to always draw on your strengths: once you have identified them, find activities in which you can use your skills and gain confidence. This will carry over into areas of your life where you may not be as strong. Your success in some tasks will give you the confidence to tackle harder things. Set Goals: life is all about pursuing your dreams. Set goals and go after them, despite the many obstacles that may seem to block your way. Be efficient, realistic, and smart with your decisions. As you are becoming an adult, you will have to make your own decisions. Do not allow parents or friends to dictate your life. Weigh options carefully and make big decisions slowly, but make them and stick to them. Developing these habits will serve you well once you are on your own without anyone telling you what to do. |
