Typical Dilemmas That 16-Year-Olds Are Faced With

The teenage years are a transition period between dependence and independence, childhood and adulthood. The lessons and dilemmas presented in your 16-year-old̵7;s daily life can be challenging and stressful, but they̵7;re also great learning experiences. Guiding and supporting your teen along her path, without taking over, will teach her problem-solving skills, strength and perseverance.

  1. Peer Pressure

    • Your 16-year-old̵7;s friends and peers can be a big influencing factor on what she chooses to do and how to act. Although peer pressure can be positive, perhaps motivating your teen to try out for sports or to do well in school, it can also take a negative turn. Those peers may tempt your teen to stray in the direction of risky behaviors, such as experimenting with drugs. Teach your teen how to say ̶0;no̶1; gracefully, to listen to her gut, to plan ahead and to have the willpower to walk away from the group. Developing a code phrase to use with you helps her save face in front of her friends while allowing her to bow out of an undesirable situation. You can even give her permission to blame you when she wants to get out of a sticky situation, saying something like ̶0;My mom would ground me forever if she found out I started smoking. She has a nose like a bloodhound.̶1;

    Drugs and Alcohol

    • Even if you think your 16-year-old would never touch the stuff, drugs and alcohol are a serious teen dilemma. According to the experts on the KidsHealth website, nearly 80 percent of high school kids have experimented with alcohol, and the issue of drugs is present in cities big and small. Tobacco use is also in the mix. Talk to your teen openly, honestly and frequently about these issues. Make sure he knows where you stand on the issue. Establish some household rules regarding the issues and point out some consequences for breaking these rules. Don̵7;t forget to praise him for the good choices he makes.

    Body Image

    • With social stigmas and cultural messages, body image and the way your teenager feels about her body become part of the equation. It̵7;s natural for a teen to become interested in her appearance -- puberty brings changes and a new body. Help your teenager establish a healthy body image and to be happy with the body she has. One of the best ways to present this lesson is to model this behavior. Watch what you say about your body and about others. Show her how to use positive affirmations when looking at herself in the mirror. Teach her how to set realistic diet and exercise goals to maintain a healthy body.

    The Academic Path

    • Depending on your 16-year-old's personality and life goals, academics can become a dilemma for him. If he has his eyes on his future and a certain college path, he may feel the pressure to succeed and excel. Your teen may experience panic attacks, burnout or depression when faced with these issues, according to Palo Alto Medical Foundation. Cheating may be a temptation. If you have a teen on the other end of the spectrum, you may find yourself begging, pleading or lecturing just to get him to bring his homework home so can get enough credits to graduate. Help your teen find a happy medium between schoolwork and recreation. Assist him in making realistic, attainable goals. Encourage his efforts and achievements, big and small.

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