​Now, first, I have to say that I don’t entirely agree with the use of the word ‘Happy’ – this is an over-used word and frequently when we strive to be ‘happy’, it invariably eludes us… more about this in another blog!
In his article, John Obedzinski suggests 10 reasons ‘Why happy families are different’ : here they are, with some of my thoughts:

This series of ‘Surviving Adolescence’ is about supporting parents and caregivers with the delicate balancing act that is adolescence…
One of the first things to remember is that adolescence is a stage of development, a stage that is vital for the future health and well-being of the young person. It’s a stage of identity formation, thinking about the future, and development of independence.

In Parts 1 – 3 of this series, looked at adolescence as the vital stage of development for young people, moving from the protected and dependent stage of childhood, into Independence of adulthood.
Only by ‘doing it right’ can young people then move into the stage of emotionally joining with another, the stage of Interdependence.
The stage of adolescence is about forming an identity outside of the family; it’s about developing a greater understanding of the young person’s sexuality and gender orientation…

​In Part 1 of this series, we adolescence as a way of developing emotional maturity, and sexual and a social identity.
In Part 2, we took a closer look at some of the tasks of adolescence.
In this, Part 3, I will give you an overview of the development of a sexual identity of an adolescent.
But first a brief re-cap:
Remember that an important part of adolescence is the movement from the stage of Dependence to the stage of Independence – this is where the young person emotionally, psychologically, and physically moves away from the family to become a part of the wider world.

In Part 1 of this series, we found out that adolescence is about:

• Growing toward emotional maturity

• Developing a sexual identity
• Developing a ‘social’ identity

 
And we learned that underlying this stage of Independence, is the need for the young person to break away from family and find her or his place in the wider world.
In Part 2 of Surviving Adolescence we’re going to look a little more closely at the stage of:

It’s been said that there is only one stage of life more difficult than being a teenager… and that’s being the parent of one!
Before we look at this fascinating stage of life, let’s get an understanding of where the word ‘adolescent’ came from…

​Food, sex, drugs, alcohol, gambling, gaming, prescription pills, relationships, even exercise…all have something in common…..

They are all potential addictions. 

But what is addiction? Why does it appear that some people who have had one addiction are more vulnerable to have others? Multiple addictions even? 

Is it the age old idea that these people simply have an ‘addictive personality’?
or is it that they just simply lack self-control?   Or perhaps both?
But then, perhaps the answer is….neither?   

Have you ever asked yourself:

• Why do I feel so low?

• Why am I anxious?
• Why can’t I make it through the day without doubting myself?

 
Or have you ever heard yourself saying:

• I’m not good enough

• I’m a disappointment
• I should be doing more with my life.

 
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then fear not, you are not alone.