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1. The 7 Most Daunting Teenage Problems
By: Teenagesons.com

2. Today’s teenagers are flooded with social pressures,
academic demands and a whole host of hormones we as
parents have long forgotten about.
This will help you better understand the problems your
teenage son is faced with, and give you information on
how to help him get through the following issues.
Teenagesons.com

3. #1 Exams
As well as wanting to do well for themselves, teenagers face pressures from both teachers
and parents. Good grades are essential if they want to get into college, and although they
know it themselves, everyone will keep reminding them of that fact.
Be there for your son, talk to him about any stress he might be feeling. Help him to study
when you can, and try not to add to the pressure. And if your son fails or makes a mistake he
needs to know it isn’t the end of the world.
Teenagesons.com

4. #2 Pressures of sex
Adolescence brings with it a truckload of raging hormones and sexual anxieties, but sex
shouldn’t be a taboo subject of conversation between you and your son. The teenage
years are where he starts to discover his sexuality, and it can be a very daunting process.
It’s vital that he is aware of the importance of practicing safe sex as well as the various
types of contraception available, even if he finds it embarrassing to talk to you about it!
Encourage him to talk to you about relationships, and let him know you’re open to
answering any questions.
Teenagesons.com

5. Continued …
Teenage boys often feel pressured into losing their virginity,
especially when people at school are already talking about it.
Make sure they know that losing their virginity is not a race, but if
they already have had sex, it’s important that you’re supportive.
No matter how you feel about it, it’s happened, so the best thing
to do is encourage your son to be open with you and you must be
helpful and non-judgemental.
Teenagesons.com

6. #3 Alcohol
Teenagers turn to alcohol for a number of different reasons, from anxiety about their school
or home life to pressure from their peers. The problem is, shouting at your son probably
won’t make him stop the habits, and could make him more determined.
The first stage is: be a role model. If you drink, do it in moderation, and never use it as a way
to cope with stress, because if your son sees that you do it, he won’t see a problem in
getting into that habit himself.
Talk to your teenager about alcohol, listen to his views and explain your concerns without
lecturing. It’s worth having the alcohol discussion even if your teenager doesn’t drink, to
make sure they’re aware of the consequences.
Teenagesons.com

7. #4 Smoking
As with alcohol, many young people begin smoking either as a means of coping with
problems, or through peer pressure. It’s really important to talk to your teenager about
the dangers of tobacco, and how it will affect their body in years to come, not to
mention how much it costs to smoke.
Try not to lecture, and once again be open to listening to their opinions on the matter. If
you’re a smoker, never smoke in front of them. Obviously passive smoking is bad anyway,
but if your impressionable teen sees you enjoying a cigarette then he won’t see why he
can’t do the same. You could actually use it as a reason to quit – it would discourage him
from starting to smoke himself.
Teenagesons.com

8. #5 Self esteem
Low self esteem is a very common problem in teenagers, and is one of the hardest to
understand. Low self esteem roots from a number of factors, including:
• Expectations from parents and teachers
• Physical appearance
• Peers and bullies
If your son is concerned with his image, he’s probably using all his energy focusing on
what he feels is wrong with him. You can try comforting him and telling him he’s wrong,
but a more effective method is focusing on the good things he doesn’t notice. Encourage
him to go out and involve himself in activities he’ll enjoy, because isolating himself due to
self esteem issues will only worsen the problem. Taking up a new hobby is great way to
learn that he’s good at something, which will boost his confidence.
Teenagesons.com

9. #6 Relationships
Teenage relationships are a minefield of highs and lows, and more often than not, they
result in heartbreak. Friendships can also be a stressful area, particularly as adolescents
grow older and develop new interests.
If your son is having problems in a relationship, the chances are he won’t talk to you
about it, but you will be able to notice behavioral changes. Try talking to him, and be
patient if he’s slow to open up. Once he does talk to you, take him seriously no matter
how trivial the matter may seem to you. Make sure you don’t say anything negative
about either party. Instead, remain neutral and offer the best advice you can.
Teenagesons.com

10. #7 Cyber addiction
Nowadays teens use computers to study and do homework, but they also spend a lot of their
free time browsing the internet as well. Games, social media and internet shopping all
contribute to cyber addiction, which can often be a symptom of anxiety, depression or general
unhappiness in many teenagers.
It’s important not to be angry or judgemental with your son if he does spend the majority of his
time on the computer. Limiting your son’s access to the internet is often easier said than done,
but it’s probably the only way to solve the problem.
Allowing a restricted amount of time for recreational use of the computer along with
encouraging your teenager to take part in after-school sports or activities is a good method of
beating cyber addiction.
Teenagesons.com

11. For more information go to …
Teenagesons.com