"Nobody takes me seriously”, this is the lamenting of not one but many teenagers. At this age, one thinks himself or herself to be   very bright and knowledgeable about worldly affairs.

They want to voice their opinion about domestic affairs, want to run things in   a manner   they consider right. But when they see that their opinion is not considered, they complain that they are not taken seriously.

Teenage is an age, where physical changes are set in the body after   childhood. Due to hormonal influence, one feels stronger   physically.  Due to this, they start thinking that they are more capable and efficient in handling matters at hand as compared to before. But reality is far from it.

Though grown up physically, mentally majority of them still lack the mental maturity which is needed before somebody is taken seriously.

In olden times, children grew up in a set pattern in close company   and supervision of their elders. They were taught the traditions and culture of their community. But nowadays with schooling system, television and internet, children have a much greater exposure to the outside world.  On one hand it   has opened many opportunities   for them, but on the other hand, it has   also polluted their minds to some extent.

In earlier days, children and also adults   were happy with what was available to them. Advertisements were just glossy pictures or hoardings to be seen.

But nowadays advertising has become more exhaustive Different companies use very lucrative advertisements to sell their products, targeting mainly children and teenagers, whatever may be the product. Adolescents and teenagers are much more influenced by these advertisements.

They tend to feel dissatisfied with what they have or are available at home. Result is they demand things which are refused to them because they would be unnecessary or too expensive or not worth the cost. This makes them   more dissatisfied.

Another   myth propagated by movies and T.V. soap operas is that parents are not giving enough time to their children; hence children become dissatisfied and delinquent. I fail to understand the logic.

A code of conduct is given to every child in their homes which they have to   follow along with pursuing their studies. This is necessary for maintaining discipline and ultimately is for their own benefit.

Nobody can be with an adolescent or teenager all the time and guard them. They need to guard themselves against the temptations of the world and use the available time for building a bright future.

Many teenagers think arrogantly that they know more than their elders, including parents and teachers. They think that the problems they face in studies or their social relations are unique to them and   nobody understands their problems. But they tend to forget that the path on which they tread today has been walked by their elders many years ago.

All parents love their children dearly whatever may be the age of the child. Can somebody imagine   that a human being cannot love an individual who has been created from his own flesh and blood and whom he has cherished like life from the day he or she has entered this world.

But one does not have to and cannot   declare this love every moment of the day.  My parents never said, "I love you” in words, but I know that nobody in this world loves me more than them.

It is for the child to be sensible enough to realize that taking care of his small needs, guiding him through problems and even disciplining him is manifestation of parental love because the parent will not take so much pain for any other child. All resources and efforts of any person are directed towards his offspring.

What is expected from the adolescent in return? Only that they do their work with responsibility, follow the right path and make efforts to make a better life for themselves. Any teenager who does so is always taken seriously by his family, relatives and teachers alike.

But for those who are lazy, and or disobedient, how can they be taken seriously? Even an irresponsible adult is not taken seriously by anyone. Teenagers should remember that they are adults in making.

So next time a teenager has some complaint, he or she should do some introspection as to why he is not taken seriously and try to improve them honestly.

E-mail –rachna212002@yahoo.co.uk