It’s A Big Deal

I ran across an interesting article the other day. You can read it here: We are raising a generation of deluded narcissists by Dr. Keith AblowParents are often under the belief that their child is overreacting about the impact [said behavior] will have on their child’s reputation and relationships.  When in reality, the internet and social media almost guarantee this.  What most parents don’t realize is that most things are a really big deal for this generation, not because the importance of anything has changed since they we growing up but because everything they do is on display for the world to see. Long gone are the days when you could make a mistake in private, those closest to you know about it, and you can move on soon.  These days, you can only pray that no on gets a picture (or video) to go along with your embarrassing moment that is sure to be Tweeted, Tumbled, Facebooked, Blogged, or texted about.  Those things don’t go away so quickly (or ever).  And this can cause extreme embarrassment and shame for peole, not just teens.With social media at everyone’s fingertips and disposal, along with the way celebrities are idolized in their most photo-shopped states or even in their most ridiculous states (think Kardashians, Paris Hilton, Jersey Shore), our kids and teens live up to a pretty impossible standard.  It used to be that “it’s not as big a deal as you think it is” helpd some water. These days, there is a LOT of truth to it.  So yes, it is a big deal… Whatever their “it” is.  I don’t think our job is to correct them.  I think we would be more effective if we worked from the perspective that what they are saying and the pressuring they are feeling is valid.  Helping them navigate it all is tricky. (Yes. That means you have some learning to do regarding social media, apps, TV shows, etc.)  As always, we are happy to help you learn more ways to validate the thing you have the most trouble validating with your teen and even to help you learn about what apps you need to be on the lookout for and monitoring. With the technology world expanding at such a fast pace everyday, there will always be something new to learn!