FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Do you believe that blood is thicker than water—that your family relationships are more important than friends? I believe both family and friendship are of vital importance to us.

Families become more important to children as they enter the teenage years. Children need their family and their support as much as they did when they were younger. It’s true that family relationships change during adolescence. When the child was young, the role of the parents was to nurture and guide him or her. Now the parents might be finding that their relationship with the child is becoming more equal. Most young people and their families have some ups and downs during these years, but things usually improve by late adolescence as children become more mature, and family relationships tend to stay strong right through.

For teenagers, parents and families are a source of care and emotional support. Families give teenagers practical, financial and material help, and most teenagers still want to spend time with their families, sharing ideas and having fun.

It’s normal for teenagers to be moody or seem uncommunicative, but they still need parents even though at times their attitude, behaviour or body language might seem to say they don’t.

Friends are also as important as families. Research from Michigan State University suggests that friends may make people happier and healthier. ‘With friends you are more likely to do activities,’ says William Chopik, associate professor of psychology and author of the study. ‘You can say certain things to friends, and they are less judgemental.’ Research consistently shows the benefits of friendships. People generally say they have a better time with friends. In conclusion, family and friends are equally important for self-esteem, health and a happy life.

(Adapted from Guardian and RaisingChildren Website)