Who Is Most Important in a Teen's Life?
The most important person in a teen's life isn't etched in stone. The "top dog" may change right along with his interests, mounting level of maturity and whether he's met a "special someone." A teen may think of his mother or father as the most significant person, even though he may keep his feelings under wraps. A particularly self-centered teen -- one who may have been spoiled as child -- may believe he's number one.
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The Almighty Peer
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You can't underestimate the power of peers in a teenager's life. Friends and classmates have a major influence on the emotional and social development of adolescents, explain experts with the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. It's normal and healthy for teens to have a group of friends and a best friend on whom they can depend as they grow into adulthood. Bear in mind that peers can be a positive force -- offering encouragement and suggesting new activities -- or have a negative influence -- pressuring a teen to try drugs, cut class or steal.
Parents
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An article published in October 2004 in the Canadian journal Paedeatrics and Child Health asserts that parents continue to significantly influence their adolescent̵7;s development. Specifically, adolescent-parent attachment has powerful effects on cognitive performance and social and emotional adeptness. Teens close to their parents are less likely to suffer from mental health problems or engage in risky behaviors, the researchers noted. Risky behaviors might include drinking alcohol, taking drugs or having unprotected sex. Despite the value of adolescent-parent attachment, the main objective of the teen years is to gradually pull away from parents and achieve independence.
Romantic Relationships
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All bets are off should cupid strike a teenager. Relationships with friends and family may be put on hold when a teen "falls in love." "The many changes that take place during adolescence include developing feelings in intimate relationships,̶1; points out Paula Dr. Braverman, an associate professor of pediatrics in the Division of Adolescent Medicine at Cincinnati Children̵7;s Hospital Medical Center. Although parents may shudder at the thought of their teen dating, young love is nearly inevitable and universal.
Self
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Some teens may consider themselves to be the most important person in their life. Many young people have the notion that they're special and have an "it's all about me" mentality, explains San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge, in an article published by the American Psychological Association. When spoiled kids turn into self-absorbed adolescents, they're more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety and lack self control, Dan Kindlon, Ph.D., author of "Too Much of a Good Thing: Raising Children of Character in an Indulgent Age" tells WebMD.
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