Do teens get a bad press?

[user87382294757]

Everywhere (not just on here) it seems to me teens get bad press- a 'nightmare' for parenting- guide for how to cope etc. I have teens- two boys and they seem fine for now. Do you think teens get a bad press, and also, what do you think helps them not to be?

I have teenagers and they've really been fine, quite sensible young people actually. I think the bad press comes from the fact that if they do show poor judgement it can be quite spectacularly bad. They may look grown up but the brain in adolescence is still undergoing massive changes that impact their ability to assess risks:

Brain Development During Adolescence - Neuroscientific Insights Into This Developmental Period

There are lots of less technical articles on this topic if you give it a google.

BTW, mine are 17 and 19 (now in uni) so hopefully the worst is behind us.

I think what helps them get through it is a supportive family environment that also gives them some independence. They have to reinvent themselves as they go from child to adult.

Thanks- it is reassuring to know it can be OK. Yes we are working on the things you mentioned. Getting a balance seems to be key. Still quite apprehensive about the years ahead, due to some things I have read. I was also a difficult teen myself (however with an unstable background)

I think they get bad press. They can be no problem. I've never been mad on rules maybe that helps.

That was a good link MisConduct liked the part about risk taking in a safe kind of way. Mine are quite into outdoor sports such as sailing and skiing, and the school does quite a few trips and things like that- maybe channeling these risk taking thrill seekers into some activities they like might be good. They can seem pretty busy during teen years anyway doing various things, sometimes feel don't see them that much or when I do they are tired out.

And yes Vulpine being too controlling / too many rules maybe not so good. My mum tried being like that and just made me want to rebel!