Member-only story
The teenage years can be tough. We are only just starting to explore and then express our sense of individuality at the same time wanting to fit in with our peers so as not to be considered a ‘freak’ all the while being thrown about by the maelstrom of our hormones which are apparently set to ‘random’ for the better part of a decade and a half.
Some of us weather it well, some of us not as much. Some of us come through it with fond memories and empowering experiences, some of us battle with isolation and depression and cruelty from others. Some of us truly battle with authority while others merely spar with it. However bumpy or painful the path there is always a bit of ‘acting out’ behavior as we try to find our place, to fit in, and inevitably wind up saying ‘no’ to things we don’t feel are a right fit for us.
It’s just part of growing up so those of us blessed with the opportunities to contend with youngsters going through it always need to try and bear that in mind. This doesn’t mean we give ignorant or destructive behavior a pass but it does mean there will be times when we have to resist the urge to flex our authoritative muscles and demand compliance. That being said, it doesn’t mean we can’t give a bit of it back now and again either.