Words of wisdom, from the Dr. Oz show, helped me better understand teen drug use. One of his specialists offered a perspective on teenagers who are trying and/or using drugs. He said many teens are intellectually mature but emotionally immature.
I personally know a lot of teenagers who are intellectually intelligent; the top of their class. But, to my disappointment, they tend to gamble with their futures by deciding to embrace Marijuana in their lives whenever possible.
They have heard the physical and legal ramifications but still choose to engage in this illegal narcotic. It baffles me that these teenagers, who tower over me in size, and probably test higher than me as scholars, lack the basic emotional maturity to say “no” to this drug.
If you’re thinking, not my teen, think again. By the time your teenager’s class graduates almost ½ of them will have tried or actively smoke Marijuana.
TheHerosChoice.com lists emotional immaturity as follows:
Emotional Immaturity
Reactive (Life happens to me)
Act out emotions
Governed by habit
Come from fear/scarcity
“Have to” motivation
Getting (self-centered)
Seek security and self-protection
Avoid failure, rejection, discomfort
Separation/alienation from others
Live in the past/future
This emotional immaturity list screams teenager. Was I once in this category? Yes, and at that time, I too tried drugs. I’m embarrassed by this now and it really does disgust me but at the same time, it gives me hope because I turned out pretty good.
This teen generation has the world at their fingertips. Most are given not only everything they need but also anything they want. Their reality of the world is skewed unlike ours. We, for the most part, had to earn most everything. Hopefully reality will enhance their maturity as they move into young adult roles.
How do we help our teenagers become emotionally mature?
Be their parent, not their friend. Make it your priority to be involved. Create a structure that praises good behavior and imposes consequences for bad behavior. Partner with their school, church and positive community activities. Come from a place of love while disciplining as apposed to anger. And, most importantly, don’t give up on your teenager.
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