It provides self-definition and separation from others. Genuine attempts at healthy risk-taking may fail. Teenage girls may not recognize the trap of dieting and develop an eating disorder. Parents need to inform themselves so they're aware of such problems. Since adolescents need to take risks, parents need to help them find healthy opportunities to do so.
Parents are often silent about their own experiences with risk.
It can be important to share this information with teenagers, to let them know that mistakes are not fatal and to encourage them to make healthier choices than their parents made. Parents need to help teenagers learn how to evaluate risks, anticipate the consequences of their choices and develop strategies for diverting their energies toward healthier activities if necessary. Parents need to pay attention to their own patterns of risk-taking as well. Teenagers are watching and imitating, whether they acknowledge it or not. All rights reserved.