Teens - What Adults DON'T Know

Well, today I was reading an article here on Associated Content about how to motivate teens. Within the article, it said how teens need to be in plenty of activities, and have a structured time table. I disagreed with this article, so I have been compelled to write about a few things adults seemingly don't know about teens.

Teens Don't Like Time Tables

Contrary to popular believe, not all teens like to have there time perfectly laid out for them. They don't like it when they have no time to do what they want. Sometimes they like to just sit back, relax, and watch a random television show. It isn't nearly relaxing for them if the show has been pre decided, as then they feel like they have to watch the show. When time is laid out like this for them, it makes teens feel like their parents think they are incapable of doing things themselves.

Teens Like to Feel Mature

Teens like to feel mature. Some parents think that they need to watch movies beforehand to see if it is suitable for their child. Or sometimes they fast forward through inappropriate parts of movies that their teenager is watching. But when things like this happen to teens, it makes them feel like an immature six year old that is unable to handle rude or inappropriate words in a movie. Besides, if they're unable to watch it at home, chances are that they'll go to a friends place to watch the part of the show or movie that is "inappropriate".

Computer Monitoring - Big No-No

When adults monitor their teenager's computers, it really makes them mad. Especially when they monitor it by tracking every word that they type on the computer. When adults do this too teens, it really makes them mad. As then they feel they have no privacy whatsoever, and it just bothers them. They feel like they can't do anything then, as teenagers want there space, they don't want their parents to know all the "latest gossip".

Give Teens Their Space!

Honestly, I think that when adults give their teenager space, they act more responsibly than if their every move is being watched. When they're closely watched, it causes them to try to act rebellious to get away from their parents. They can't stand it when they don't have their privacy. Everyone needs their space and a decent amount of privacy. When a teenagers computer usage is monitored, their time on the television closely counted, and their every movement is closely monitored, they just want to get away from it all. When things are like this, teenagers are more prone to alcohol use in my opinion, as they want to act rebellious.

"Uptight" Parents = Poor Kid

When parents don't give their teen space, and make their teenager call every hour and be home by eight o'clock, it doesn't look good to their teenagers friends. Teens whose parents are like this are often made fun of, as they miss out on quite a bit of stuff, and are unable to do things that most teens are doing. Teens like to fit in, not be the castaway.

Sorry if while reading this article you get the feeling I'm attacking someone, or parents as a whole. My opinion might be slightly biased, as I am in my teenage years, but parents need to know these things. Simply put, my point in this article is to give your teenager space, and not to schedule each day of their lives, they like to make their own plans and decide what they'll do each day. Sure, don't be afraid to step in if your teenager is playing video games 24-7 but teens for the most part like to get out their and be active - without having a time schedule.