What do adolescent boys aged 12 to 18 need the most?
Experts at Yafang Consulting say that boys in the age range of 12 to 18 are going through puberty, and the changes can be significant. During this time, what they need most is to be listened to, encouragement in written form, and equality and respect.
First of all, being listened to is particularly important. Did you know? Children at this age have a lot on their minds. They may feel they have grown up and do not want to share some things with adults, yet they still need someone to understand them. Therefore, as parents, we need to spend more time talking with them and listening to their thoughts. It’s not just about lecturing; they need to feel valued.
Sometimes, verbal encouragement may have a mediocre effect, but written encouragement is different. You can write them a letter or leave a little note telling them how proud you are of them or encourage them to keep striving. This approach is very thoughtful, and children will feel warm inside when they read it.
Equality and respect. These two words sound simple, but they are not easy to practice. We need to let children know that everyone’s opinion is important at home. For example, when there are significant decisions to be made in the family, we can ask for their opinions. Even if we do not completely follow their ideas in the end, they should at least feel respected.
Children in this age group are in a transitional phase from childhood to adulthood; they need more than just material possessions — they need emotional support. As parents, we should be more attentive and accompany them in their growth in the right way. This way, they can become more confident and learn how to interact with others.
Editor: Yishan
