Teens and Mothers & Daughters
Andrea, copyright © 2010 Rachel Glik
It can be tough being a teenager. Especially today. So much pressure, such a fast pace, so easy to feel left out, to question yourself. It's hard to find the voice that is your own, with so many stations playing all day long--Parents, teachers, coaches, the media and FRIENDS. While it can't take the challenges away, a sounding board really helps. Someone with no agenda who can listen and understand, help you find solutions, and give that voice that is you a chance to find its way up and out.
Whether it's fighting with your mom, overwhelmed about school, anxious about friends, wanting more freedom, confused about boys (or girls), unhappy about your body -- it can really help to talk things out, learn how to gain control of your emotions (rather than them controlling you), see where you can make changes, and use your challenges as a way to be stronger, more confident and more clear about who YOU really are.
Counseling can make the difference between getting sucked into the wave and riding on top.
Before coming, many teens (and adults) have this impression that counseling is for those who are really troubled. There is still a stigma left from the 50s I guess. But once we get going, you'll quickly see that it's not a big deal and usually a relief. The risk it takes to open up is worth it -- and I have seen, again and again, how the wall of awkwardness and fear becomes a thin veil the moment you let your truth free.
I have two teens of my own. Though I didn't grow up in this outrageous era, I do my best to 'get it' and get YOU. Listening really helps, and trusting the core of who you are.
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
One of the many benefits of having a teen daughter is the intimate understanding of the ups and downs, sometimes minute to minute, that runs through a teenage girl's life, and our interactions. I have made plenty of mistakes and only through them, have I come to a clearer sense of how to navigate this tumultuous age and the quantum speed growth she goes through. It is so hard not to get reactive with each other and it's so important that I trust her. How else will she learn to trust herself.
As tricky of a time this can be, there are tools and some guidelines that can make a huge difference -- for both mother and daughter. It's not a carefully measured recipe and it's definitely not easy bake. But with a deeper understanding of what teenagers truly need from us, which is not necessarily what instinct or our own childhood would dictate, the road can be so much smoother, and more loving. Even sweet. This I say with absolute certainty.
Whether it's fighting with your mom, overwhelmed about school, anxious about friends, wanting more freedom, confused about boys (or girls), unhappy about your body -- it can really help to talk things out, learn how to gain control of your emotions (rather than them controlling you), see where you can make changes, and use your challenges as a way to be stronger, more confident and more clear about who YOU really are.
Counseling can make the difference between getting sucked into the wave and riding on top.
Before coming, many teens (and adults) have this impression that counseling is for those who are really troubled. There is still a stigma left from the 50s I guess. But once we get going, you'll quickly see that it's not a big deal and usually a relief. The risk it takes to open up is worth it -- and I have seen, again and again, how the wall of awkwardness and fear becomes a thin veil the moment you let your truth free.
I have two teens of my own. Though I didn't grow up in this outrageous era, I do my best to 'get it' and get YOU. Listening really helps, and trusting the core of who you are.
MOTHERS AND DAUGHTERS
One of the many benefits of having a teen daughter is the intimate understanding of the ups and downs, sometimes minute to minute, that runs through a teenage girl's life, and our interactions. I have made plenty of mistakes and only through them, have I come to a clearer sense of how to navigate this tumultuous age and the quantum speed growth she goes through. It is so hard not to get reactive with each other and it's so important that I trust her. How else will she learn to trust herself.
As tricky of a time this can be, there are tools and some guidelines that can make a huge difference -- for both mother and daughter. It's not a carefully measured recipe and it's definitely not easy bake. But with a deeper understanding of what teenagers truly need from us, which is not necessarily what instinct or our own childhood would dictate, the road can be so much smoother, and more loving. Even sweet. This I say with absolute certainty.
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