Growing Up With A Teen Identity Crisis

Without regard for time period, teenagers have always had an innate struggle with their need to have an identity. This teen identity crisis can be made up of several life experiences along with their surroundings, but it can also be a rebellion against these ideals.

Teens of every decade have struggled with a sense of individuality while at the same time trying to belong to a group of like-minded peers. This constant adolescent struggle is vital in a teen's identity formation.

It is also during this time that teens have a great concern for their appearance and how others perceive them and even a teen identity crisis. This goes far beyond just "looking good" for dates, but rather even a simple trip to the grocery store would cause the inherent need for a teen to "get ready."

For many teens, it is unheard of to go outside of the house without getting "gussied up." Besides, if the teen is wearing sweatpants in public, their life could be ruined if they happen to run into a schoolmate.

Many adolescents take the time to try out different roles as they grow and mature. They may feel more comfortable settling into an identity if they have experimented with several and feel like they have settled into the one that best suits them to overcome their teen identity crisis.

A parents role can be somewhat frustrated as we sit back and watch our kids struggle to make good decisions, but most teens find their way through this difficult time and emerge from it as strong, independent adults.

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