Dr. Dobson Answers Your Questions
Tension occurs in the
most loving and intelligent of families. Why? Because it is driven by powerful hormonal
forces that overtake and possess boys and girls in the early pubescent years.
I believe parents and even some behavioral scientists have underestimated the impact
of the biochemical changes occurring in puberty. We can see the effect of
these hormones on the physical body, but something equally dynamic is occurring
in the brain. How else can we explain why a happy, contented, cooperative
twelve-year-old suddenly becomes a sullen, angry, depressed thirteen-year-old?
Some authorities would contend that social pressure alone accounts for this transformation.
I simply dont believe that.
Teens need their parents during the adolescent years more than ever.
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The emotional characteristics of a suddenly rebellious teenager are rather like
the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome or severe menopause in women or perhaps
a tumultuous midlife crisis in men. Obviously, dramatic changes are going on
inside! Furthermore, if the upheaval were caused entirely by environmental factors,
its onset would not be so predictable in puberty. The emotional changes I
have described arrive right on schedule, timed to coincide precisely with the arrival
of sexual maturation. Both characteristics, I contend, are driven by a common
hormonal assault. Human chemistry apparently goes haywire for a few years, in
some more than others, affecting mind as much as body.
If you have a teenager at home, youll probably find it helpful to take a look at some commonly asked questions on these topics:
Dr. James Dobson
This article was adapted from Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide by Dr. James Dobson with the permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Copyright 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
