Understanding Teenagers

Puberty....don't you remember it well. A time of great upheavel, physical and psychological changes, movement towards independence, breaking away the from the cord of parents, seeking validation, popping spots and always knowing better than anyone else.

Ok, so I was not the best example of a teenager however, who is? With all those hormones coursing through your system you are liable to do anything, say anything or just do nothing and say nothing...depends on the humor. So, what do you do with a pubert who is sticking up their finger at their parents, authority, schooling or any form of regimes that they "cant handle"?.

Here are a few good tips along with a reality check from a teenager who was outta control.

* It is important to recognize these changes can and will create tensions within your family

* Understand that they are aliens from another planet and do not feel under personal attack from these creatures

* Outsmart them with strategies which will support your sanity

* Speak to them about their bodily changes in a language that they can understand

* When you come onto the sexuality conversation LISTEN to them and don't hand them a stupid book

* Find ways to highlight positive qualities even if they have a zit the size of a tomato on the tip of their nose

* Take time out to listen to what is going on in THEIR lives even it it makes your toes curl

* Maintain a strong relationship and spend time together. Yes! that may mean shopping endlessly

* Be flexible as a willow when it comes to arguments as you can't win

* If their room looks like an atom bomb fell in the middle of it sometimes saying nothing can be the best approach

* Let a teenager decide for themselves what they want to do and promote open discussions on any subject

* If they decide to hibernate for six months just slide food and drinks into the room without having a fit

* Take out a second mortgage for the phone bills that these monsters will definitely run up

* If you already had a strained relationship before they hit their teens....emigrate

* Never fear loss of control over your teenager becaude of their increased independence

* Always check their room for signs of porn mags, cannabis, hashish...and leave their stash alone

* If you do find incriminating evidence bring it up in moderate conversation and listen to how they feel

* Teens develop their abstract thinking capacities around 11 or 12 so this is the best time to sell them

* The opposite sex will become a complete obsession and you may have to tie down your child for a while

* Their concern about being popular outside the household means be prepared for any type of clothing

* You can express concern if they look like a vampire however remember they are not trying to impress you

* If you find a gang of kids drunk in your house remove them quietly and safely

* Privacy is a must for teenagers as well as a must for your mental state of mind

* Moodiness will come and go rapidly so be prepared by buying ear plugs

* Rousing a sleeping teenager is like trying to take meat out of a lions mouth....don't bother

* Remember that this is only a phase and during this time their brain is actually growing

* If all hell breaks loose and you cant cope...join the rest of us