Question: What is Identity Development in Teens?
Answer: During adolescence, teens develop their identity, their sense of self. Answering the question, 'Who am I?' is one of the biggest tasks of the adolescent years. Dictionary.com defines identity as, 'the sense of self, providing sameness and continuity in personality over time.' Please pay attention to the fact that the definition says a sense of self. This means that your teen's identity is entirely dependant on how he/she sees him/her self, not how we or others see him/her.
A strong identity is something parents should strive to help their teens attain. Young adults who have a strong sense of self are resilient, have a healthy self-esteem and are independent. Use the following articles to help your teen develop a strong sense of identity:
- 4 Reasons Your Teen Needs a Hobby
- Quiz: Are You Sabotaging Your Teen's Social Life?
- Things You Can Do to Prevent Your Teen from Taking Drugs
