Teen-Age Attention!
A
by Dapo Awosika
young teenager I ‘tutored’ once, described the teenage years with a qualification ‘X’- signifying Generation X as we have come to know it. As a variable, ‘X’ is not only capable of assuming a variety of numbers as the case in mathematical equations, it also represents various character dispositions. From being mild and good tempered, to an angry stubborn, rebellious or defiant teenager. Why does a teenager become rebellious? What do teenagers rebel seemingly against? Are the demands of the highly venerated offices of Reverends, Pastors and Imams, responsible for the obstinate tendencies of their progeny or siblings? Is it the unusual attention they get or the lack of it? Could it be as a result of the constant reminders from their parents to at least, remember the sons and daughters of whom they are, or as the case may be, a matter of having no choice but to conform to the expected lifestyle - obeying the last order? As parents, do we affect their character developments negatively or positively by the demands we make on them? Do we expect them to obey every command or do we give them room to act based on personal discretion when necessary? 46
As a young teen raised by a single mother, my mum demanded absolute obedience. Though she had a wonderful nature and encouraged me in sports activities, she made it clear that morals and absolute obedience in the area of my academics was none negotiable. Whenever I slipped, which was often, she convenes a ‘Berlin Conference,’ with my aunts and uncle in attendance, but usually not after administering the rod and staff to comfort me. The outcome of the ‘Berlin Conference,’ was more agonising than the rod, since it provided them an opportunity to tongue lash me and remind me of some bitter truths. It particularly upset me that my mother was always calling these people and knew little or nothing about happenings in their own homes. But it became clear that she took me through it to make me fall in line. I craved a situation, where my mum would talk to me as mother-to-child, rather than calling together a whole community! Never compare your teenage child or any other with those of your neighbours, his or her nephew, nieces or cousins, your child is unique! The father of a pretty teenager told me once that he made his house out-of-bounds to her friends- both male and female- because he didn’t want anyone to corrupt his precious daughter. I advised that it would be more proper gemwoman | July/August 2007
