Anyone who thinks being a teen is all just fun and games and laughter, is perhaps too old to remember what it is really like. OK, there are fun times, and there is also heartbreak, heartache, exam stress and relationship problems. Not to speak of parents driving them crazy. In between all of this, it's very difficult to remain focused and to make the right decisions. So what are the bad habits that teens often pick up in their teens, and which cause so much problems later on?
Drinking too much. Many people drink too much when they become independent and move away from home. Alcohol has almost become part of youth culture. However, do make sure your teen takes care. Nasty habits can form during the teen years, which can impact heavily on their life later on. Never let your teen drink and drive, and do sit up and take note when they start getting hangovers regularly or even black out during a drinking session. In fact, alarm bells should be ringing.
Drugs. Few teens will reach the end of their schooling without at some stage, on the street or at a party, being offered drugs of some description. Chances are high many will try it. And everyone will think they are in control of it. So why are the rehabs bursting out of their seams? Why do so many youngsters end up dead? For the sake of your teen and for the sake of friends and family who love them, it is simply better that they not go down that road. Period.
Feeling sorry for themselves. We all feel sorry for ourselves every now and then. That is just life. However, taking on the 'poor me' attitude to life is not only unattractive, it is also demotivating for a teen. It takes away their own power over their life and changes them into a hapless victim of life. Make sure your teen takes charge of their own life, assume responsibility and grow up. They cannot always expect other people to do things for them that they need to be doing for themselves. A wise person once said, "We see the world not as it is, but as we are."
Irregular sleeping. A teens body needs sleep – on average between eight and nine hours of it per day. Everyone has the odd late night – all parties do not end at midnight, however, it is important to establish a regular sleeping pattern early on in life. It is also never a good idea to study through the night before an exam. A tired brain does not remember well.
Junk food. The odd hamburger and chips will not change your teen into the Michelin man. However, eating too much junk food can become a problem when it's eaten daily. Fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of water and decent home-cooked food are all essential to your teens health. It's worth making an effort. How difficult can it be to buy a bag of apples and have a fruit juice in the house instead of candy and fizzy drinks?
Not doing regular exercise. Everyone has a slouch on the couch every now and then. Or even daily. However, do make sure that your teen gets regular exercise. It doesn't have to be marathon training or high impact aerobics. A regular and brisk daily walk would probably do the trick. They need exercise to stay healthy. And when they are studying or working, they will most probably not get lots of exercise, as most of this happens when sitting at a desk.
Not making and keeping friendships. Boyfriends / girlfriends come and go, however, good friendships are for life. And they're worth taking trouble over. Make sure your teen picks up the phone, asks people out, and is there when a true friend needs them. Their number of friends, in the long run, reflects the amount of effort they put into friendships.
Smoking. Much has been written about how bad smoking is for anyone. In fact, so much, that most people don't even take note any more. Point is, nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on earth, and kicking the smoking habit ten or fifteen years down the line is extremely difficult. You only have to watch the agonies people go through, to know that this is not an exaggeration. So don't even let your teen start. And no, it's not cool. What could be cool about smelly breath and stinking hair?
Unhealthy relationship patterns. Does your teen get involved in relationships that are not good for them? With people who abuse them, who make them feel inadequate and bad about themselves and who may even beat or hit them? If this is true for your teen, maybe it's time for them to see a counselor and get help with not getting involved in such unhealthy relationships. If your teens friends are all telling you their relationship is not healthy, perhaps it's time to listen. Get them out of this cycle now while you still can.
Watching too much TV or playing too much on the Internet. TV and the Internet are entertaining and great for a bit of escapism on a night when you are at a loose end. Never forget, though, that real life needs to always take precedence over TV or video games– never let your teen put off family or social engagements, because they want to watch TV or play video games. TV (except for the news and actuality programs) and video games are essentially secondhand – it's about other people's experiences, not about their real life experiences. Make your teen get out there and have their own life, unless a program really is their favorite. And no, they can't have 30 of those.
