A parent's guide to understanding teen mind: Why do they rebel?

Teenage rebellion has always been one of the leading causes of conflicts between parents and adolescent children. This rebellion is expressed through defiant behaviour and disregard for parenting or societal rules. Teenage rebellion is a normal part of puberty and moving towards an adult identity. Instead of battling your teen, run through these reasons that might help you understand the rebellious youngster at home.  

Hormonal changes trigger mood swings 
Teenagers go through extensive physical changes, if you remember your own adolescence. Hormones are on the overdrive, re-building their body from inside. It makes them more confused, and more moody.  

It's part of physical brain development  
The prefrontal cortex of the human brain controls decision-making, social behaviour, and personality expression. During the teen years, this part of the brain literally goes under construction, testing boundaries, setting limits, arguing, analysing what’s best, taking risks, calculating risks, and finally understanding the decision-making process. 

Tendency to be independent 
Going by what we discussed above, perhaps you should allow more independence. Unless teens can act on their own, they will not know the consequence of the action. While costly mistakes are not to be encouraged, remember that an overprotected teen will be a bad decision maker.  

Struggling to belong and be accepted   
Teenagers are heavily influenced by peers, media and social media. They want to fit in, to belong to a certain lifestyle. This pressure results in rebelling against parents whose lifestyle may be a clash with their picture of an ideal one.  Boost their self-confidence instead of scolding them, and assure them that every individual ‘belongs’ in the order of the world.  

Teens want attention  
Teenagers love to get attention. If you have been too busy, they will rebel against you and try to get attention from peers. Give them more time. It’s your last chance with your children before they grow up into adults.   

Parents of teenagers over-worry 
Worrying as a parent is healthy, but expressing it through commands is harmful. Your teen understands logic. Explain your concerns, they will get that much better than an illogical sounding order to do or not do something.