Helping your teen find their place in the world is complicated. Most parents of teenagers know that chaos and emotionality can be more intense in the adolescent mind because of gains in abstract thinking and the emotional drive to separate from their parents and understand the opposite or same sex. Successfully seeking independence and an expanding identity is a hallmark of teenage growth. Developing more friendships and fitting in with the groups of teens that evolve at school, in a sports team, or a club is also very important to their expanding sense of self. Interest in the opposite sex or same sex becomes a predominant preoccupation, whether or not your teen and the new teen friend actually talk to each other. Close teens often rely on their friends for support and advice, although jealousy of a new love interest can complicate the support given by friends. Confusion, anxiety, and even obsession about creating new connections is very common. Being a teenager can be a wild ride, and hard for parents to navigate.

Freedom for Your Teenager to Explore His or Her Interests

Teenagers change their minds frequently, which is normal and predictable. What at first looks like an amazing new creative interest or goal may become boring or stifling when more is learned about what is involved........

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