Self-Expression and Teenagers: Common Problems and Creative Solutions

Fortunately, there are several ways to enable them to express themselves while also steering them in an alternate direction. In fact, if you handle each situation tactfully, you can help them discover themselves through appropriate self-expression.

Common Problems with Teenage Self-Expression

1) Hair Dye – It is extremely common for teenagers to dye their hair unusual colors and pick hairstyles that stick out such as a mohawk. Fortunately, their hair will grow back, and it is easy to dye it again with a more traditional color. Therefore, your best bet is to let them get this out of their system. However, you could suggest using temporary hair dye instead, and if you offer to buy it for them, the odds are high that they will decide to use this approach.

2) Strange Wardrobe Choices – You are not alone if your teenager has started dressing in a way that makes the word odd seem like an understatement. However, attempting to change their wardrobe by giving them more conservative options or threatening to ground them for their choices is not going to have a positive outcome. Instead, you should consider compromising with your teenager.

For example, you could allow them to dress how they want to when they are hanging out with their friends. In exchange, they will wear a more conventional outfit when you have family outings. Alternately, you can enable them to make their own wardrobe choices as long as they pay for their clothing.

3) Tattoos and Piercings – The lure of tattoos and unusual piercings can be very strong for teenagers, especially if they have embraced the punk rock or goth culture. Keep in mind that most people will grow out of these stages, so it is a good idea to keep your feelings of dismay to yourself. Instead, you should consider compromising by offering to buy them custom-made temporary tattoos from companies like tattoo you and fake body jewelry. After all, if they want to get their nose pierced, it is very easy to use a clip on nose ring instead.

As an added bonus, this might help them determine that they do not actually like the way they look when they are wearing the fake piercing.

Ultimately, the best way to help your teenager navigate through their moments of self-expression is to be accepting. Keep in mind that the shock factor is part of the fun of dressing oddly and getting a weird haircut. In other words, if you remain calm and offer reasonable alternatives, your teenager will feel more comfortable about their choices and happier discussing them with you.

---

Erin shows overscheduled, overwhelmed women how to do less so that they can achieve more. Traditional productivity books—written by men—barely touch the tangle of cultural pressures that women feel when facing down a to-do list. How to Get Sh*t Done will teach you how to zero in on the three areas of your life where you want to excel, and then it will show you how to off-load, outsource, or just stop giving a damn about the rest.