Teenage Parenting (Bridging the Generation Gap)

Many kids announce the onset of adolescence with a dramatic change in their behaviour around their parents or elders. They begin to separate from their moms and dads and try to become more independent. At the same time, children of this age are increasingly aware of how others, especially their peers, see them and are desperately trying to fit into the current fads and trends.

Moreover, there is a vast generation gap between the teenagers and their parents or elders. Times have changed and with the advent of new and modern developments in science and technology, life has become faster and easier. There has been a drastic transformation in our lifestyle, and this has in turn brought about considerable changes in our behaviour, dressing styles, eating habits, modes of recreation, etc.

Hence, due to the above factors, there arises continuous conflict of thoughts, beliefs and values between the parents or elders and the teenagers irrespective of the families, religions, or strata of the society they belong to. The author in this book, Teenage Parenting has incorporated various such conflicts in the form of interesting Diary Entries from the diaries of different parents and teenagers reflecting their views and grievances on several subjects. Each of the Diary Entry is followed by a Parental Tip advising parents to deal intelligently and patiently according to the issue concerned. This is further complemented by an expert advice of a Counsellor, who acts as a judge providing an and amicable solution to the problem in each case.

So, this is a 'must read' for both the youngsters of today and their parents to bridge the generation gap which is deepening day by day.

Seema Gupta has a Master's Degree in Sociology and MS in Psychotherapy and Counselling. A prolific writer, Ms Gupta has authored several widely acclaimed books on a wide variety of subjects ranging from the position of women in Indian society to interpersonal relationships. Portrait of a Perfect Woman, Correct Etiquette and Manners, Stress@ Home, Ramayana, etc., are some of her books which have been widely acclaimed. Many of her articles and short stories have won accolades from her readers.

The adolescents and young adults form that salient section of our vast and diverse society which is perplexed about their own position, for their age group is neither too big to be called a fully matured individual, nor too small to be called as children. Parents may try to help, but for some inexplicable reason, the adolescents tend to automatically close their two sense organs the and eyes cars to what their parents want them to see and hear. However, if their peer group (friends) so much as whisper, these two organs open wide. Funny, isn't it!

Generally, the mindset of the adolescents is that parents are not their well- wishers. They are old-fashioned, rigid and dominating. This may be true sometimes and in certain cases, but not always. The youngsters feel that parents are good till they 'give in' and the moment they don't, they are numero uno enemy, which, they are certainly not.

However, the levels of stress that the adolescents face these days, at times does go beyond the comprehension of an adult mind. With modern electronic gadgets chipping in almost every other day, the lifestyle of the youngsters have completely transformed from what it was when their parents were teenagers. For example, an account on Facebook, today is considered to be a must to fit in their circle of friends. Calling each other is passe, the youngsters either chat on these sites or sms through their mobiles.

This may be difficult for the parents to comprehend as there is a big generation gap which needs to be bridged by sheer patience, faith and understanding on the part of both the parties.

In this book are given some Diary Entries from the diaries of some adolescents and their Both marred with the same problem, they try to resolve it in their own inimitable ways. Each diary entry is assessed and followed by a Counsellor's Advice which provides an amicable solution to the concerned problem in an unbiased manner.

In addition to all these, there is an exclusive Parental Tip at the end of each diary entry given by the author based on her own real life experiences, thoughts, realisations and a deep study of this ever rising conflict between parents or elders and the teenagers.

**Contents and Sample Pages**