Teenagers have it tough...

As a mum to two teenagers, I am well aware of the pressures teenagers face.

There are, of course, the unpredictable moods, and emotions that take skill to manage well.

There is the developing sense of identity (cultural, political, gender, sexual, religious etc) and independence, along with an ever-present need to “fit in” that stems from a basic need to survive. In ancient times our very survival hinged on being in the group not out of it, and that deep programming persists today.

Then there are the issues of body image when everything is changing unpredictably, and there are chemical and physiological reasons that this can make you feel rubbish.

All of this can be unnerving and distressing.

Add to this the pressures for exam grades and to know what you want to do with your life when statistically you have only lived about 16% of it and there is about 63% of working age to go.

Then there is the popular media persona of young “be-hoodied” people causing chaos and generally sitting somewhat outside of society. This bad wrap is harmful, unfair, and actually it is unfortunately nothing new…

“The children now love luxury. They have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise.” – Socrates (a really long time ago!)

So maybe it is useful to have the odd reminder about how amazing young people really are?!

All young people deserve a fulfilling and meaningful future, and society benefits hugely from young people and yet many feel overwhelmed by the complex, and constantly changing trials the modern world throws at them.

Being born into the latter part of “generation Z” (1995 – 2010) means that today our teenagers have to deal with a unique set of pressures that adults of my age and above never used to experience.

Social media is ever-present, and it can create constant pressure to look a certain way, have the right things and generally live the perfect life with the perfect people all the time. It is always there, and it is highly addictive. Then throw in a global pandemic, rising mental health issues, and a particularly challenging job and housing market and it starts to look pretty bleak.

And yet, we are all so much more than our circumstances.

“There are two educations. One should teach us how to make a living and the other how to live” - John Adams.

Teenage life coaching can help.

If they have decided they want to make a change in their life and choose for themselves to participate (voluntary participation is a vital component) then teenage coaching can offer young people a safe, impartial space to broaden their view of themselves, others and their world. To discuss their thoughts and feelings, and to identify their own best solutions. Get in touch to find out how...