Pay close attention to nutritional requirements: Their bodies are growing rapidly and need to be nourished with healthy and nutritious food. They may prefer sugar and fat laden fast food as it is naturally more pleasing to the palate. This is where you step in and educate them that if certain nutritional demands are not met at this stage, they will bear the consequences later on. Also some deficiencies can cause mood swings, irritability, acne, lethargy and depression which can make dealing with adolescence even harder.
According to developmental psychologist Erik Eriksson, adolescence is marked by the search for an identity. Around age 19, young adults move into the search for intimacy. Therefore, teen relationships are often based around the partner as a reflection of the self, while young adult relationships focus on long-term compatibility between partners. However, these ages are not set in stone. Many younger teens look for long-term, serious relationships, while many young adults continue to try out romantic partners who reflect themselves. In a sense understanding your child’s choice of partner, helps you understand your child better. Take things one step at a time and discuss tricky situations with your partner. No matter how sensitive the issue, ideally both parents should be involved as they are mutually responsible for the growth and well being of their child.
