The Challenge of Fitting In
Fitting in with one’s peer group can be a difficult job for teenagers everywhere. High school is a time when the judgment of one’s peers can mean the world to an adolescent. Not only may a teen value how other peers may think of him, but he may let this affect most of his decisions as well. He may try as hard as he can so as not to aggravate the way other teens may see him. But as much as this may work for a while, it can definitely get exhausting to put up a front for others if it is not the “real you” you are showing. Your teen may get tired of wearing a mask for others, and once he does choose to just be himself, he may have to face the often immature judgment of his social circle. Once they catch on to his change in behavior, they may mock him. This in turn can confuse your teen as suddenly being him self comes off as a bad thing. In reaction to this, he may try to revert to his old mask-wearing ways but it may be too late. His peers may see through his masks and even ridicule him for pretending to begin with.
Keeping up with Changing Trends
Trying to fit in to a group of just as moody adolescents can be a taxing experience. Sometimes it may appear as if the group does not exactly know what they want, because it may be constantly changing with the trends. Fast-changing fads and definitions of what’s hip and hot can also contribute to the difficulty a teen may experience with fitting in with his peers. If you notice that your child may be having a hard time keeping up with the pace of his peers, it is important to assure him that this is normal and that it is quite alright for him to let a few fads pass him by. This way he won’t feel as pressured to always be up-to-date with what may be the trends in fashion to the latest technology.
One must discourage the use of masks because fighting who you really are not only is tiring, but ultimately futile. If you can make your teen wary of this line of reasoning even before he tries masking himself, you can prevent a situation where he may be mocked by his own peer group. Encourage self-love. Acceptance of one’s being while at the same time adjusting to one’s peers without sacrificing one’s own individuality is a vital lesson your teen should learn.
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