| Young teens are maturing in their brains. Times and | | | | to find one, just one person they can connect with |
| circumstances that may have not bothered them as | | | | and trust. Someone who can really give them the |
| children begin to really bother them now. So much in | | | | counsel they need. And than comes the question as |
| child hood that was left dormant through the gift of | | | | to how to direct them. |
| childhood begins to surface. At around 13 or 14 when | | | | I cannot give quick answers. This takes time and |
| the body is undergoing real changes so is the brain. | | | | prayer, because we are responsible to give them the |
| Be aware of the changes taking place. | | | | best help. |
| Thoughts increase and reasoning expounds to a new | | | | How can we direct them in a way that they can |
| level of intellect. Many young people try to laugh off | | | | safely take off the masks they have worn for so |
| abuse and try to brush it off to push through the | | | | long? Being gentle and tenderhearted is a must. A |
| bad memories. Others are angry as I indicated in my | | | | soft answer turns away wrath and anger. These |
| last writing. The majority are crying on the inside | | | | young teens carry much anger within themselves and |
| afraid that if they show what's really on the inside | | | | against the ones who hurt them. We have to help be |
| they will be rejected by others around them. They | | | | the bridge. |
| are concerned about what their friends would think, | | | | Gently help them take off the masks. Be truthful |
| what their parents would think and what God thinks. | | | | with them as well, as they are truthful with you. |
| They do not need to feel rejected and shamed but | | | | Most teens know when some one is sincere or not. |
| it is an ugly quality that many carry in their hearts. | | | | Hold out your hand with your heart in it. If you are |
| Abuse tries to stamp rejection and shame into their | | | | afraid tell them, let them know. Tell them you are |
| thinking process on a permanent basis. Layers and | | | | hurting right along with them, cry with them. |
| layers of guilt and unworthiness has been heaped on | | | | Help them to know they are acceptable and loved. |
| them, through the emotional and physical abuse. | | | | Most teens will thrive as we exhibit the virtue of |
| Many teenagers are confused about these issues. | | | | unconditional love to them. Does this mean we let |
| In a way we all wear masks as one of my adult | | | | them act irresponsibly? There must be protecting |
| friends had taught me trough her paintings. | | | | guide lines. With freedom comes responsibility. |
| I never thought of it that way before but many put | | | | Everyone needs responsibility. They need gentle |
| on a masquerade. | | | | guidance, understanding to direct them on a better |
| Many cry in the night hours afraid, really afraid. It is | | | | path. |
| so important to keep talking with your teens and the | | | | It is very hard for teens to talk. Try to work in |
| other children you are responsible for. I cannot | | | | connection with their counselor. As they trust more |
| express this enough. | | | | masks come off and the ability to be free will |
| There are very few adults that an abused child will | | | | increase. |
| really trust. It is their lifeline in many cases to be able | | | | |