Teens- Balancing space & Family

How can families navigate the delicate balance between a teen’s desire for independence and the warmth of festive traditions? In this article, psychologist Sneha Agrawal offers insights into understanding teenage behavior during celebrations like Dashain

Why do teenagers often seek more independence during festivals like Dashain and Tihar, and how can parents understand this need?
Teenagers often seek more independence during festivals like Dashain and Tihar because these cultural events mark significant times for social gatherings, personal exploration, and self-expression. By recognizing that this search for independence is a normal part of adolescence, parents can approach the situation with empathy, facilitating a stronger bond with their teenager while respecting their need for personal growth. Parents can engage in open communication about the meaning of the festival and ensure that their teens have some time to spend with friends and cousins while also participating in the rituals.

How can families strike a balance between giving teens personal space and spending quality family time during the holidays?
Striking a balance between giving teens personal space and ensuring quality family time during the holidays can be challenging but rewarding. By establishing clear boundaries and making plans ahead of time, teens will know when family time is nonnegotiable and when they have the freedom to pursue their own interests.

Give your teen a voice in planning holiday activities. When they feel they have input in how the family spends time together, they are more likely to stay engaged and participate willingly. Allowing them to spend time with friends or engage in hobbies and personal interests shows trust and understanding.

How can parents make family traditions more appealing to teenagers without making them feel forced to participate?
Nowadays, teenagers are curious about family traditions; however, their perspectives might differ. Letting your teen be involved in planning or modifying family traditions can make them feel invested. For example, if they enjoy photography, you can ask them to document the festival.

Teenagers are more likely to engage when they can include their friends or peers. If appropriate, invite their friends to join family activities or holiday gatherings, making the experience more fun and socially engaging for them. Avoid making participation in every tradition mandatory.

Help teens understand the significance of family traditions and their origins. When they learn about the cultural, emotional, or historical value behind the rituals, they may feel more connected. Explain the stories behind these traditions in an engaging way, allowing your teen to grasp their deeper meaning.

Demonstrating your own enthusiasm for family traditions is also important. If teens see their parents enjoying the activities and participating willingly, they are more likely to follow suit.

By making family traditions adaptable, engaging, and relevant to their lives, parents can foster a sense of participation in teenagers or too little) or eating habits (loss of appetite or overeating) can also indicate emotional distress without making them feel forced. The key is to respect their autonomy while creating meaningful, enjoyable moments that they can look forward to as part of the family.

When teens come home after long periods away, how can parents help them feel comfortable while also enjoying family time?
When teens come home after being away for a long period— whether due to school, travel, or other commitments— creating a welcoming and flexible environment can help them feel comfortable at home while also enjoying meaningful family time. Every teen is different; some may want to spend time at home, while others may prefer to socialize. Understanding their personality and needs is significant. The key is to respect their need for autonomy while providing opportunities for connection in a relaxed and supportive way.

What are some signs parents should look for to know if a teen’s desire for space is normal or if it’s a sign of emotional issues?
It’s natural for teens to seek more independence and space as they grow, but distinguishing between normal behavior and potential emotional issues can be challenging. If a teen is not just seeking space but is completely withdrawing from family, friends, and social activities, it could be a sign of emotional distress.

A sudden and significant change in behavior, such as becoming unusually quiet, irritable, or angry, may be cause for concern. If their desire for space arises abruptly and is accompanied by a noticeable shift in mood or personality, it might indicate underlying issues

A loss of interest in hobbies, friends, or activities they once enjoyed can be a sign of deeper emotional struggles. Drastic changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little) or eating habits (loss of appetite or overeating) can also indicate emotional distress. Any sign of self-harm (such as cutting, burning, or excessive risk-taking) is a serious indicator of emotional distress.

If their academic performance suddenly drops, or they lose interest in schoolwork altogether, it may suggest emotional struggles. Lack of motivation and inability to concentrate are common signs of mental health issues.

Emotional distress can sometimes manifest in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, or chronic fatigue, even when there’s no medical reason. Frequent physical complaints may point to stress, anxiety, or depression.

It's important to consult a professional if there are concerns about emotional distress, rather than labeling a teenager with a mental health condition.

In Conversation with SNEHA AGRAWAL CHAUDHARY, an experienced licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in clinical psychology. Holding a Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology from the esteemed University of Delhi, Sneha specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Currently practicing at Norvic International Hospital, she is deeply committed to helping individuals navigate various mental health challenges .