Keeping it Real...

As adults, parents, and teachers - people working with and living with teenagers - we often forget the complexities of growing up. The stages of adolescence can be challenging, especially when experiencing physical changes: developing muscles; hair in places it never grew before; being confronted by acne; feeling no control over emotions, flipping from being really happy to being really angry and then wanting to burst out in laughter. Adolescence, the teenage years, are one of the most transformational times in ones life. You go through the process of growing and developing from a child to a young adult and it is not always easy.

REMEMBER:

Regardless of where you live, the teenage years are full of new experiences, experimentation, self-discovery, internal and external change, peer discovery, and growing, changing relationships. These can be (and often are) challenging years full of new decisions and expectations.

Major areas of change in the lives of teenagers can be catorgorized (but not limited to) the following areas:

•      Peers

•      Family

•      Physical/hormonal/emotional changes

•      School/International schools

•      Internet

•      Expat Teens-adapting to change as a result of transitioning to a new 'host' country (new home, school, country, language, culture, peers, teachers - this list is virtually endless)

So, if you're experiencing any difficulties in the aforementioned areas, take comfort in knowing that you are not the only one! And if you are a parent or professional who regularly interacts with Teens, please remember that a listening ear can go a long way.

Stay tuned to this Blogspot for more information about our upcoming book, "Expat Teens Talk." In the meantime, TALK to us and let us know what's on your mind...