Our children have many faces. Many teenagers pretend to be well-behaved in front of their parents, but their true nature may be different outside the home. At home, they appear disciplined and well-mannered, but outside, some of them reveal a different side. Think of some recent incidents-parents believe their son is asleep at home, but later find out he has died in a road accident. How did it happen? After everyone went to sleep, he secretly took the family vehicle and went out with friends. Similarly, parents may think their daughter is staying in a hostel, but in reality, she might be living with her boyfriend. In such situations, it is the parents who are deceived. However, we cannot entirely blame the parents-who else would they trust if not their own children? That is why certain things need to be told directly to teenagers.
Friendships, unhealthy relationships, and modern lifestyles can influence teenagers in various ways. In this context, teenagers must recognize certain truths.
Alcohol consumption and smoking are often portrayed as glamorous in movies. It is natural to feel tempted to imitate on-screen heroes. However, avoid falling into harmful habits that endanger your life. Some friends may have such habits and may pressure you to join them. Do not give in out of a sense of obligation or fear of hurting them. Learn to say a firm ‘no’ when necessary. Friendship is important, but your health and future are even more important. There is no evidence that alcohol or smoking has ever brought any real benefits-only harm. These habits negatively impact financial stability, health, and other aspects of life. Stay away from them permanently.
Value Relationships
Maintain healthy relationships, and if any relationship negatively affects your mental or physical well-being, do not hesitate to end it. Those who do not understand the value of relationships are the ones who create conflicts and spread toxicity within them. Do not let such toxic relationships ruin your life.
Physical curiosity and attractions are natural at this age. There are many opportunities today to satisfy these urges, but it is important to understand that maintaining the purity of one’s body is crucial. Self-respect is not just about abilities or external achievements-it also comes from how you respect and take care of your body. Only those who maintain the sanctity of their own body can truly respect another person’s body. No form of love should lead you down the wrong path. At this stage of life, constant vigilance is necessary. A lack of self-control often leads to regret, guilt, and a loss of confidence. Attraction and affection toward the opposite gender are not wrong, but failing to maintain proper boundaries is.
Physical and Mental Well-being
Taking care of physical health and hygiene is equally important. Proper exercise and a balanced diet are essential during adolescence. Junk food and a sedentary lifestyle can be harmful. A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. Proper sleep and personal hygiene, such as regular bathing, are crucial.
This is an era where mobile phones, the internet and social media platforms like Whats App are unavoidable. However, teenagers must use them wisely and in a time-conscious manner. Many adolescents waste a lot of time on social media, which only provides temporary pleasure. This happens because they fail to realize the value of time. Those who use their time productively are the ones who succeed in life.
Understanding the Value of Money Many teenagers do not understand the value of money. Loving parents, who do not want their children to experience hardship, provide them with everything they need. However, teenagers must realize that their parents sacrifice their own needs and desires to fulfill their children’s wishes.
Understanding this will help them use money wisely and avoid placing unnecessary financial burdens on their parents.
Respecting Rules and Discipline
Following rules is crucial. Many lives are ruined because people neglect the importance of laws and regulations. Every environment-whether it is home, school, or a place of worship-has its own set of rules. Discipline is upheld by adhering to these rules. Most unfortunate incidents occur not because people follow laws but because they disregard them.
Final Advice
Dear teenagers, you may have great friends-best friends and trusted companions. However, your parents are the ones who can offer you the greatest safety and support. They can solve problems that even your best friends cannot. When you face difficulties, do not try to resolve them alone or rely solely on friends. Instead, approach your parents and seek their help. They may sometimes get angry or scold you, but they will never abandon you. Understand that no one in this world loves you as much as your parents do. Accept them with all their imperfections, love them, and trust them wholeheartedly.
