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Parents often have difficulty recognizing the difference between variations in normal behavior and true adolescent behavior problems. In reality, the line between normal and abnormal teen behavior is not always clear; usually it is a matter of expectation. A fine line can often divide normal from abnormal teen behavior, in part because what is "normal" depends upon the teen's level of development, which can vary among adolescents of the same age. Development can be uneven, too, with a adolescent's social development lagging behind his or her intellectual growth, or vice versa. In addition, "normal" teen behavior is in part determined by the particular situation and time, as well as by the teen's own particular family values, expectations, and cultural or social background.
Understanding your adolescent's developmental progress is necessary in order to interpret, accept or adapt his or her behavior (as well as your own). Remember, teens have great individual variations of temperament, development and behavior.
Your own responses as a parent are guided by whether you see the teen's behavior as a problem. Frequently, parents over-interpret or over-react to a minor, normal short-term change in the teen behavior. At the other extreme, parents may ignore or downplay a serious problem. They also may seek quick, simple answers to what are, in fact, complex teen problems. All of these responses to adolescent behavior may create more difficulty or prolong a resolution.
Teen behavior that parents tolerate, disregard or consider acceptable differs from one family to another. Some of the differences come from the parents' own upbringing; they may have had very strict parents themselves, and the expectations of their children follow accordingly. Some behavior is considered a problem when parents feel that others are judging them for their adolescents's behavior; this leads to inconsistent responses from the parents, who may tolerate behavior at home that they would not tolerate in public.
If you suspect your child or teen has a behavior disorder - please seek a professional opinion. This article is for informational purposes only on teen behavior problems. | |
