Adolescents, how to build their values
People, throughout life, see themselves in different environments and deal with people of all kinds. The personality changes over the years and along with it, values are affected by the surrounding circumstances: friendships, work environment, influence of university professors, etc. This happens in a much more marked way in adolescence.
On many occasions, the problems that come in the way of adolescents can put into question the principles that have been inculcated since childhood. At these ages they have to put into practice everything they were taught in childhood and adolescence and for this, they need to add their own arguments to their way of acting.
First of all, teenagers should be cautious
First, to stay true to its principles, it is imperative that adolescents be prudent. Prudence is a practical virtue of reason, ordered to a concrete action. Being prudent means reflecting and evaluating the effects that our words and actions can have before putting them into practice. As a result of this reflection, we will provide the necessary arguments to explain our motives and ideas to the people around us. Prudence gives way to other virtues, such as The responsability and that will strengthen his personality. In this way, adolescents will have the clearest things when it comes to saying "no" in an embarrassing situation.
Sharpen the critical sense of adolescents
Likewise, with a strong personality it is difficult to get carried away by the current, by the "It does the whole world, it should not be so bad". Therefore, for adolescents to maintain their own ideas, they must sharpen the critical sense and not soaking up easily with everything they are told, but knowing how to discern. It is possible that in the university some professor takes advantage of his position to spread devastating ideas to his students. If they are not discerning people, it will be hard for them to demystify these lessons and distinguish where their teachings end and where their personal opinions begin.
This same critical sense must be had at the time of seeing television. The influence of this medium and its ability to shape the way of thinking of many people is evident. Many times, through series and programs, we are presented as normal situations that are not at all and that are not morally acceptable, just because they happen frequently or when feelings are involved. If the teenager has clear principles, these ideas will not get in them easily and will not be carried away by the "fads" of the moment.
Teens must learn to say NO
Undoubtedly, friendships are those that consolidate beliefs and convictions on many issues. Therefore, adolescents must be clear that they do not have to reject anyone because their ideas and beliefs do not match theirs. But they do have to have enough prudence as to know to what extent the way of life of his friends can harm him and lead him to do things that he will later regret.
If your friends push you to do acts that do not seem right (use drugs, take advantage of a girl, drink a few drinks, etc.), you should show enough integrity and character to say no, do not want and please do not insist. It is not necessary, however, to be angry with them, but firm. It is good to give them reasons to know clearly what our position is. In addition, these arguments can help them change their views on certain topics a bit.
Knowing how to say no, is sometimes very complicated due to the pressure in the environment. However, the person who manages to maintain this type of behavior manages to solve their problems, feel comfortable with themselves and with others; He has control of the situation and this makes him feel satisfied and relaxed.
A coherent life in adolescence
The coherence refers to the value that makes us be people who think, feel, do and say the same, always acting according to their principles.
When a teenager is very influenced by the people and places they attend; When they are silent, they avoid contradicting the wrong opinion or do their best to behave according to the environment so as not to look bad before anyone, it is not possible to practice this value. However, being always the same at all times, increases personal, professional and moral prestige, which guarantees the esteem, respect and trust of others. A consistent person shows firmness, even at the expense of the position, opinion or friendship that is apparently at stake.
Teresa Pereda
