The transition from childhood to adolescence and eventually teenage brings a lot of physical, mental and interpersonal changes.
During the teenage years, we start questioning many things like who we are and what we represent, and how other people see us. Self-image becomes a crucial part of our being and how we interact with the world outside. Often, fashion becomes a tool for teens to express their identities as well as recognize others. The clothes we wear, the people we follow, the styles we adopt starts contributing to the narrative of who they are and who they aspire to be.
Adolescents and teenagers tend to express themselves through their appearance, creative outlets like art, music, writing, dance, personal style, social media presence, participation in sports, and even their choice of hobbies which starts showcasing their identity and emotions.
Some of the self-expression tool for adolescents and teens can be:
Verbal Communication:
Open communication with friends and family
Storytelling
Appearance:
Clothing choices
Hairstyles
Makeup
Body art (depending on cultural norms and age)
Creative & Performing Art:
Art (drawing, painting, photography)
Music (playing instruments, singing, songwriting)
Writing (poetry, short stories, journaling)
Dance
Acting
Digital Expression:
Social media posts
Blogs and vlogs
Gaming
Social Participation:
Sports and physical activities
Clubs with shared interest
Social Activism
As parents, educators or caregivers, we need to be cautious about dealing with this age group. Sensitive matters need to be dealt with care and in most cases a two-way open communication channel works best.
Some of the key things that we need to consider are:
Developing Identity: Adolescence is the time when their identities evolve and one can observe fluctuations in self-expression as teens explore different aspects of themselves.
Social Influence: Peer pressure and cultural norms become two major factors that contribute to their self-belief and identities.
Extending support and help: Providing a safe space for teens to express themselves is very important for their healthy growth and development, as well as facilitating them to build a positive self-image.
Let’s look at some of the ways in which we can encourage teenagers to express more.
1. Encourage More Writing: Daily writing in some form or the other improves language as well as social skills. It helps to enhance both personal growth and academic achievement. It can be in the form of journals, blogs, diary writing, or others.
2. Improve on Public Speaking: Though it might sound scary for many, this skill needs to be practiced and implemented. It not only helps to express their thoughts, but also builds leadership qualities.
3. Teach How to Interpret Body Language: Along with verbal skills, it is also important to master and interpret non-verbal communication. This will help them in social and interpersonal interactions and facilitate their self-expression. Role-playing can be a good exercise for this.
4. Help Them Find Inspiration: Social influence can be a big thing at this stage. So guide them in the right way by showing them the reality of what’s what and what’s not. Reinforcing social boundaries is also essential at their stage. So it will help them to understand and respect these limits while engaging with peers and adults.
5. Keep Having Conversations: In today’s digital age, conversations might have become a dying art, but face-to-face interactions are critical for self-expression. Plan open talk sessions with students discussing current affairs, personal choices, and other topics. This practice builds confidence and gives students a voice to share their opinion and views.
6. Encourage Outdoor Activities: Always urge students to explore outdoors rather than being addicted to gadgets. Outdoor activities can be a breath of fresh air in school curriculum as well. You can organize nature walks, outdoor art classes, or story-writing sessions amidst. Being outdoors stimulates creativity and assists in self-expression.
7. Mindful Meditation: Practicing yoga and meditation can have a positive impact on youth. It not only recharges their body, but also rejuvenates their mind. It helps them to release stress and express their individuality. Self-talk can also serve as a great way to explore and express feelings and emotions.
8. Start Mentorship Programs: Teens can also be put into mentorship programs to encourage sharing of experiences, knowledge, and advice. Often schools have a buddy system that focuses on growth and support. Mentorship encourages accountability and develops leadership skills. It helps to build a community and instill social values.
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