Whether you’re navigating life with a newborn or dealing with a spirited 4-year-old, it’s natural to ponder what those teenage years will bring. We’ve all been there — the awkwardness, the rebellion (yikes!). If you’re currently parenting a teenager, you might be pulling your hair out, questioning what cosmic force has placed you in this chaos. But then you remember your own teenage escapades, when the mere thought of being seen with your parents was cringe-worthy. Cue that slice of humble pie!
As I wade through the teenage waters with my eldest, I’m not shy about admitting this stage has been the toughest so far. Friends on the brink of entering this phase often ask me how I’m managing; they can sense the mood swings and smell the rebellion. Honestly, this is no walk in the park.
My only advice? Take it day by day, keep communication open, and show them love and support. Let them know they can approach you about everything — from drugs and relationships to school stress. Much easier said than done, right?
We strive to provide our little ones with endless opportunities, and that desire only intensifies as they hit their teen years. While some older generations might argue that we’re “spoiling” our youth with too many options, there’s a silver lining to the story. A recent study published in the Journal of Child Development reveals that today’s teens are delaying sex, dating, and drinking compared to previous generations, with the most significant decline observed in the last decade. So, fellow parents, take a breath: it seems we might actually be doing something right!
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of high school students who reported being sexually active fell from 54% in 1991 to 41% in 2015. Dating among high schoolers also saw a drop, from 86% in 1979 to 63% in 2015. Alcohol consumption dipped dramatically as well, with those trying it falling from 93% in 1979 to just 67% between 2010 and 2015. While that’s still over half, a 26% decrease is pretty impressive!
So, what’s causing this shift? Jean Twining, the study’s lead author, suggests that teens today are in no rush to grow up, drive, or jump into adulthood. With a greater emphasis on education and extracurriculars, they are choosing to postpone adult activities. It appears that allowing our kids to enjoy their childhood is indeed paying off.
Historically, adolescents were expected to mature quickly and take on responsibilities sooner, which could lead to rapid development. Today, resources abound for our kids, and they’re leveraging these opportunities, likely leading to a lesser urgency in dating, driving, or entering the workforce.
Twining notes that even in families where parents may not have a college education, the trend of smaller family sizes and the notion that children need nurturing is taking root.
In a Washington Post article, researcher Lisa Harper points out that today’s teens are more serious about their futures than previous generations. They approach life with a level of caution and thoughtfulness that was often absent before.
So while some critics claim we’re “pampering” our kids, the evidence suggests that a nurturing approach leads to a more fulfilling childhood, free from the pressure to grow up too fast. Less engagement in risky behaviors? That’s a big win for parents and kids alike!
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Summary
Today’s teens are delaying sex, dating, and drinking compared to past generations, with significant decreases in these behaviors over the last decade. This shift reflects a greater focus on education and a more nurturing parenting style, leading to healthier and more responsible adolescent choices.