GCC World

In recent years, I have been witness to an oft repeated grouse teens harbor against their parents purportedly for the infringement of what they view as their personal spaces. If one was to take these complaints on the face value, there seems to be tougher times ahead for most of the teens passing out of college. Surviving the interim period before picking up to move to the next phase of their lives, whether pursuing their careers or settling down to marital life is certainly littered with many pitfalls. But this is not something new. If anything, the feeling has always been in existence perhaps taking different shades or conveniently swept under the carpet.

Apart from the many changes that teens grapple with – physical, psychological or otherwise- there are loads of issues they will have to contend with sooner or later. Take for instance issues that delve on their relationships with their parents, guardians, siblings or mentors. It is during the long breaks, away from the routine grind of their daily lives that they discover a lot has changed and that their views don't cut much ice with the 'elders' in the family. Overnight, it is as if they have become incompatible.

Conflicts
Take the case of Devdas, the first born in a family of four and just out of college. Unlike some of his friends who have opted for their masters degrees, he is taking a break for a year to plan his next move. But barely a month, he has already had enough of the home environment. And the reason? “In the eyes of my parents, I am good for nothing,” he says. In fact, they question what I have benefited from schooling. “Not a single thing I do seems to get their nod and that is getting into my nerves,” he rues. “I am not allowed visits and whenever my friends come, I have to blurt out an excuse to be able to spend time with them. Yet they are the same friends from my school days. 'What has changed now?” thunders Anishka. “I cannot even listen to music. As soon as I lift the volume, eyebrows too are raised. “If it is not too loud, the lyrics are awful and the moment I put my hand on the phone, I am reminded of the telephone bills. The least said about pocket money, the better. “I can't believe I have now become untrustworthy,” laments Abhay. “Not on a single day have I told lies to my parents about my expenses. But this time, I feel I have lost their trust,” butts in Sapna. “I am tired of being called upon to account for every single cent I spend. I don't know how long I will be able to put up with such demands,” she ponders.

Put into perspective
With lectures and examinations out of the way, the least one expects returning home is being put to task or made answerable for every act. In the ensuing distrust, friends and acquaintances become the confidants. Psychologists attribute this to the excitement of growing up and the fact that during the teen years, one begins to exert influence on others in quest of independence oblivious to all that is going on around them.

Having been under tremendous pressure to perform and adhere to the norms of their institutions, the little space seems to be god send. This is also the time that one begins to think seriously about the future. Prospects of a career and sense of independence brings unbridled joy. Anything that goes against the prevailing thoughts is unwelcome. But then youngsters should spare a thought for the beleaguered parents or guardians for the unenviable position they find themselves. Is it not a display of ingratitude to turn against the people you have always considered to be close confidants? Would you be happy if you confine at the back of your mind people who have all along stood by you, in good and bad times? Are these not the same people you always shed a tear or two each time you left home and returned during vacations to fall in their warm embrace?