Youth Life Through the Eyes of Teens and Young Adults

Teens and young adults are a vital part of our future. It is sad to say, but they often feel they are ignored. Most of us are living our adult life and are not giving much attention to our teens or young adults who come home from college during weekends and various breaks. Many of us believe that our children will figure out life by themselves because we had to, no one gave us any life instructions or coaching. However, times are different and every parent, not just some parents, needs to be a part of their children’s lives.
Some teens are being influenced by negativity that surrounds their world. One might say that teens and young adults’ negative/risky behavior is based on what they see and hear. On the other hand, one might say lack of self-esteem and self-confidence can lead teens and young adults to engage in deviant behavior.
Most teens believe we (adults) are too hard on them and we need to see their lives through their eyes and maybe we will understand the pressure they are under. Being a teen or young adult can be very challenging, dangerous, scary, and painful. Sometimes teens and young adults are forced to make decisions on situations in which they have no experience.
Life’s lessons must be taught. Sometimes this is a bumpy ride for teens, young adults and even their parents. Society as a whole has a responsibility to provide our youth with the tools they need to live a healthy life style. We need to make sure we go out of our way to provide them with the tools to be successful and make wise decisions. We need to discuss topics such as, leadership, peer pressure, conflict resolution, drugs and tobacco usage, and abstinence. We need to also address values, self-esteem, money management, depression, and others. I agree…it takes a whole village to raise a child.