I came across this post in my old blog and thought I should share it here. Well to be honest, I am actually impressed with the “old me” …! *chuckles* … I was just 20- year- old wise granny then!
#11112011
#20YearOldMe
Hey Peepz,.. How’s everyone out there???!! Am back with a bang!! Well, there are too many things to note down, but I’m not sure where to start! #NowPlaying – Mannipaaya on repeated mode.
Hmmm,… while coming back home in MRT, came across a special, teenage student. I was standing against the glass railings, when she came towards my direction smiling weirdly at me. Well just like “Mr Naidu” from my Psychotherapy class, I started my observation on her.
So this girl was behaving inappropriately and she was doing unusual acts she was not supposed to do.. I felt a little unusual and uncomfortable and helpless at the same time. “Like am I supposed to stop her???” – this is where i got reminded of something I learned. – Bystander effect… But at that moment, suddenly it strike me about working with special needs children and helping them. It’s about time I need to do something hands on!
And yeah, so while sharing about the short incident in my previous para, I realised that I have something else to share about too. It’s about the camp I attended recently… Due to confidentiality, I can’t share specific details, however, I brought back some lessons.
Especially, during adolescence, support from family is very important. Having both parents working, these days kids think that there is no one to care or spend time with them, hence, it leads them to join the bad company. These days, kids start smoking at the age of, as early as 9 years old and all these happen because of peer pressure. In one of my case study, I learned, according to these kids, if supposed they do not comply with what their peers tell them to do, they are not accepted in their groups. This causes a lack in sense of belonging. belonging.
However, I strongly believe that this is the stage where the students should learn to make their own decisions. Well, aren’t they old enough to know what’s right or wrong? Or aren’t they supposed to defend themselves? Teens these days fail to realise that having one good friend is better than having bad friends. Hence, it’s about time parents should step in, and be supportive of them. But how can they be supportive when they don’t even know what is going on in their child’s life?
Parents should spend more time with their children no matter how busy their schedule is. They should also share things with each other and build confidence in their children. This way, it gives their children a sense of protection and a sense of belonging and need not feel the need to seek it from their peers.
I encountered another problem during the study I had. It seems that the most common problem between an adolescent and the parents is a communication breakdown. Firstly it’s the lack of communication between them, whereas the other one is a misunderstanding. A small scenario I came across. A girl feels that her mum does not want to spend time with her, and on the other end, the mum feels that the girl does not want to spend time with her. But both yearn to spend time with each other. Hence, there is a communication breakdown between the girl and her mum.
In my case study, I got a chance to have a conversation with both the parents and the student and this is what I conclude. I could feel the love, care and concern they have in each other but they failed to express it to each other. During the end of the camp, it was when I realised it, especially after seeing the children and parents hugging each other, asking forgiveness, so on and so forth.
So, here are some personal yet usual suggestions from my side to build a rapport between the family members [doing it together as a FAMILY].
- Having bedtime talks before sleeping about daily happenings
- Having at least one meal together
- Making it a point whereby, every weekend to do some activities (shopping, sports….)
- Going to the library together
I know, these are easier said than done but at this current situation, everyone is getting busy each day because of their career. Even studies are getting tougher. But I strongly encourage that some time should be spared for the family… 🙂
Now that I know the importance of a family, in future, I know what to do if I have a family on my own… 🙂
Unpleasant things can be avoided if efforts are taken. So please people, spare some time with FAMILY.
Haizzzz I was just looking through my timetable. My deadlines for assignments and case study are due in the first week of Dec. My exam break is during the second week while my exams fall during the third week. So which means my 21st birthday falls during my exam period
😦
However, I have decided what case study I am going to work on… And getting some notes on that. After which I have to work on the whole report followed by my “neuro” assignment… The question itself makes me want to break down. Keke… Well, that’s all for now. I think this post is long enough… will catch up soon friends. [i hope]
Lolzz…
One and Only Naz ;)xoxo