Adolescence is by definition a tumultuous time in one’s life—and today’s teens are navigating more complexity than ever. Young people face real academic, social, and psychological pressures at the exact time in their lives when they need to explore and have experiences beyond their comfort zones in order to grow.
Why Adolescent Identity Development Matters
According to Dr. Ken Ginsburg, expert for the Center for Children and Youth, adolescence is the time to answer the question, “Who am I?”—and to do so independent of parents. This is a critical milestone in adolescent identity development.
One of the ways in which adolescents form identities separate from their parents is through deciding what it is they value, and how they wish to act on those values, which in turn helps them formulate ideas about the kind of adults they want to become. Research shows that teens who have a strong sense of right and wrong are more likely to become stable, healthy adults.
Exploring values and putting them into action can help young people of all faiths and backgrounds learn about themselves, while making a positive difference.
How Parents Can Support Teen Identity Development
“It is a developmental milestone for young people to find out who they are,” says Linda Karlin, Director of Youth Development at the Center for Children and Youth.
How can parents best support the efforts of young people to discover their values and put them into action?
“Ask them probing questions,” advises Linda Karlin. “Give them space to share their opinions. Make it okay for them to ask questions if they don’t understand what’s going on.”
Dr. Ken Ginsburg agrees. “Be a sounding board,” he writes, adding that when we answer teens’ questions for them, we reinforce the idea that they are not competent to embark on their own explorations.
As parents, we often walk a line between imparting our values to our children and allowing them to find their own values, even if we may sometimes disagree with them. Learning to communicate effectively with your teen in age-appropriate ways can make a real difference in how they process and develop their own sense of self.
Service-Learning as a Path to Identity and Values
In CCY’s YouthFirst program, “teens decide what matters to them,” Linda Karlin says. “Choosing issues that they care about, and giving voice to those issues by planning projects and inviting other teens to participate in them, is a way to put their values into action.”
YouthFirst helps teens develop the necessary life skills to move into young adulthood smoothly, successfully, and responsibly. Through service-learning, leadership skills development, and career exploration, teens answer the question “Who am I?”—which will ultimately guide them to be positive contributors who help bring about change in the world.
Impact Year gives teens an opportunity to take part in service events and advocacy projects that help them explore their own identities through a Jewish values-based lens. These values include tikkun olam (repairing the world) and tzedakah (an obligation to give back to one’s community).
Learn more about YouthFirst’s Impact Year program and check out our list of upcoming events and advocacy projects.
When Teens Struggle With Identity and Direction
Not all teens move through adolescent identity development smoothly. Some struggle with anxiety, social pressure, or a sense of disconnection from their values and peers. If your teen seems stuck, withdrawn, or is having difficulty finding their footing, professional support can help.
Our clinicians at the Center for Children and Youth specialize in supporting adolescents and families through exactly these kinds of challenges. We work with teens on building resilience, clarifying their values, and developing the confidence to become who they’re meant to be. You might also find our article on building emotional resiliency and social skills a helpful starting point.
Ready to talk? Schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss your teen’s specific needs and find the right support for your family.
