The Mental And Physical Health Of Adolescents

Growing up could be a painful business if you are not fully aware of the changes that your body could go through over a period of time. This is a problem that is faced not only by growing boys and girls, but also by parents and teachers who are in direct contact with adolescent children.

A boy who has entered his teens is neither a man nor a child. It is difficult to classify him and it is even more difficult to deal with him. What could be the worst situation for a boy at this age is to be uncomfortable with his own body. He is not able to come to terms with the fact that he now has a lot of hair growing on his body and that his voice is also changing. Probably, because these are things that are physically visible it is easier to come to terms with them. What is even more discomfiting is the change that he now observes in himself, when he is close to somebody of the opposite sex. He is suddenly aware that he his view of his childhood friend is now a wee bit altered. He is aware of her changing body, just as much as he is aware of his own. At this juncture, differing sexual orientation is not being discussed.

Dealing with adolescence is certainly a touch subject, but one that cannot be evaded. If you are a parent with a child who has just become a teen, be prepared for a series of behavior that you have not been witness to, till now. For instance, you will find that your son is now more secretive than he was earlier. He would be more comfortable changing his clothes in the privacy of his room – this is something he has not been doing till now. His tastes are governed by the tastes of the rest of his peer group. You would also find him spending more time on his own, rather than being your tail that he used to be.

Ensuring that the health of your adolescent son is well looked after, requires tact and also a great deal of knowledge on the common ailments that might affect a growing boy. Since a level of shyness has set in, it is important to be able to talk about the changes that are taking place in his body. It is also essential to maintain a relationship that will facilitate open and free conversation with your son at all times. He needs to be able to approach you without fear or shyness at any time. What is frightening for a boy of his age is that he is scared of not being accepted. The fear that he might be ridiculed is also one that is very real to a boy of his age. It is this fear that needs to be dealt with. Only parents, counsellors, teachers and others in a similar capacity will be able to lend a helping hand to a boy who is on his way to becoming a man.