CHENNAI: Many students will soon complete their education at the high school and college levels and switch to new environments. New people, a new way of life — all of this is anticipated. Few can adapt to the new setting, but many can’t. It might be because they have pals from the same school, but for a select few, it might be completely new because they might move to a different location for their higher education.
They have to deal with a lot of difficulties as a result, and because of the excessive burden of discomfort and awkwardness created by such setting, there is even a chance that they could burn out. The stress of the shift will be clearly seen as changes in them, such as absenteeism, boredom, lack of interest, aggression, sleep problems, etc.
Parents must be aware of their situation and shouldn’t push their kids to adjust as rapidly as possible or as quickly as others. They should also avoid the notion that everyone is the same, which is untrue. That will ultimately cause frustration.
Understanding adolescence (teenagers): The period of transition
Adolescence is a stage in a person’s life during which significant cognitive, physical, social, and emotional changes take place, according to Erikson (1963). During this adolescence period of time, ‘they will be dealing with lots of confusion in their role and identity’ (Natsuaki, Biehl & Ge, 2009).
Before the adolescent decides who, he/she is and who he/she wants to imitate, many a mediocre role model occupies the podium for a while.
Signs that your teen is experiencing stress
How to help teenagers deal with the stress of transition
Managing teenagers as a parent
(The writer is a counselling psychologist at Fortis Hospitals, Chennai)