- Adolescents in the U.S. require supportive relationships, healthy self-esteem, effective coping strategies, and opportunities for growth to ensure psychological health.
- Business owners can foster positive relationships with young employees and provide resources to encourage development.
- Parents should choose the right school for their adolescents, promote open communication, set healthy boundaries, and be a good role model.
- Encouraging teamwork and collaboration among young team members helps create a positive workplace environment.
- Recognizing achievements and providing meaningful feedback builds adolescent confidence and promotes healthy psychological growth.
Adolescents are notoriously challenging to handle but are also in the most exciting stage of development. While this age group is at greater risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems, they also have the potential to grow well in terms of their psychological health. Here’s what you need to know about them and how to ensure they can grow healthily psychologically.
Adolescents in The U.S.
It’s estimated that about 42 million adolescents aged 11-19 in the U.S. comprise 14% of the population. Adolescence is an important time for psychological growth and development, as it’s when children transition into adulthood and learn to think abstractly, make decisions, establish identity, explore relationships, develop self-efficacy, and learn to deal with authority figures.
Psychological Development During This Period
Here are the reasons behind healthy psychological development within this period:
Supportive Relationships
Adolescents thrive when they have supportive adults, such as parents or teachers. Feeling valued and supported makes them more likely to have better mental health, academic achievement, and social skills. Entrepreneurs can foster a positive workplace environment by creating meaningful relationships with young team members and providing opportunities for growth and development.
Healthy Self-esteem
Adolescents with a healthy sense of self-worth are likelier to have positive mental health and engage in healthy behaviors. Business owners can help their young employees develop healthy self-esteem by encouraging their strengths and providing positive feedback. Involving them in decision-making and recognizing their achievements can also help build confidence and self-worth.
Effective Coping Strategies
Adolescents who learn effective coping strategies are better equipped to handle challenges and stressors. Business owners can encourage young team members to develop healthy coping mechanisms by creating a safe and supportive work environment. Providing resources, such as mental health services, can also help promote healthy coping strategies.
Opportunities For Growth
Adolescents benefit from opportunities for growth and development. Business owners can provide these opportunities by encouraging young team members to take on new challenges, work on projects that interest them, and learn valuable skills. This promotes healthy psychological growth and benefits the business by having a motivated and skilled team member.
Positive Peer Relationships
Adolescents who develop positive peer relationships are likelier to have better mental health and social skills. Business owners can help foster positive peer relationships by promoting teamwork and collaboration among young team members. Encouraging team-building activities and social events can also help create a positive workplace culture.
How to Support This Psychological Growth
There are various ways you can support this psychological growth as a parent. Here are five ways:
Choose The Right School
You must choose the right school for your adolescent. It’s good to look into affordable charter schools within your area. These schools are a great way to ensure your adolescent is exposed to various positive influences and experiences.
Encourage Open Communication
You should also encourage open communication with your adolescent. This will help build trust, leading to better relationships and psychological well-being. Encourage open conversations between you and your child about their issues.
Set Healthy Boundaries
It’s also important to set healthy adolescent boundaries while giving them appropriate freedom. Set rules and expectations to teach them how to make good decisions for themselves.
Be A Positive Role Model
Adolescents look up to their parents as role models, so they must exhibit healthy behaviors in front of them, such as exercising regularly or maintaining a balanced diet. You must demonstrate behaviors that you want your adolescent to learn.
Seek Professional Help
If your adolescent is struggling with their mental health, seeking professional help is essential. A mental health therapist can provide the proper guidance and support and teach them effective coping strategies.
Adolescence is a critical stage of development, and adolescents need the right support to ensure healthy psychological growth and development. Parents and business owners can contribute positively towards this process by providing supportive relationships, fostering healthy self-esteem, and encouraging positive peer relationships. You can ensure your adolescent grows psychologically healthy in the coming years through open communication, setting boundaries, being a role model, and seeking professional help.
