Importance of Expressiveness in Teenagers

Healthy Communication

• Teens should be encouraged to express rather than repress their feelings and emotions, as recommended by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation in a piece on communication. Particularly during times of possible disturbance, such as parents divorcing, a move or dealing with health challenges, a teen should feel safe expressing her thoughts to a parent, friend, counselor or other trusted person. Parents can teach their teen to identify what she wishes to communicate, identify hoped-for outcomes and use ̶0;I̶1; statements. For example, a teen who feels overprotected at home might say, ̶0;I feel ready to handle more responsibility. Next weekend, I would like my curfew to be extended by one hour so that I can prove that I can handle it.̶1; Regardless of how parents feel about the request, the attempt at expression should be handled gently and with respect to encourage future communication.

Sexual Identity

• Parents might not feel entirely comfortable handling every teen attempt at expressiveness, especially with regard to sex. However, maintaining an open line of communication is key to encouraging healthy and appropriate sexual behaviors, according to Dr. Abraham Feingold, writing on PsychCentral.com. Teens should feel able to express their questions, concerns or potential sexual complications, such as pregnancy or a sexually transmitted disease, to parents to remain safe. Parents can use these opportunities to encourage delaying sexual experiences, safe sex practices and the possible negative outcomes of sexual activity.

Creative Careers

• Creative expressiveness not only lets teenagers funnel emotions and feelings in a positive way, it can pave the way toward careers in the visual arts, performing arts or other fields, according to Patricia Van Velsor, associate professor in the department of counseling at San Francisco State University, writing on the Counseling Today website. Creating collages, digital films, paintings or choreographed dances helps a teen tap into multiple intelligences while sharing his creative vision with others. While expressing himself, he picks up important skills related to technology, communication and collaboration.

Language Development

• For teens with Down syndrome or other disorders, the teenage years can sometimes be mischaracterized as a plateau when it comes to language development and expression compared to early childhood. But teenagers with the syndrome should be equally encouraged to continue practicing self-expression, according to down-syndrome.org. Vocabulary and syntax practice are key components of expression development during this time period. Conversation practice, learning new words and continued work with professionals can help these teenagers develop greater expressiveness.

Writing

• Both personal and expository tasks are key modes of written expression that teens practice in middle school and high school. This prepares them for college and the professional world. Organizing thoughts and research to express an opinion, or corralling personal experiences to share a narrative, helps teens represent themselves as literate, thoughtful individuals with a worthy perspective to share with the world.