Teen years are filled with rebellion and angst as they fight to carve their own identity. Adolescents begin to like the feel of independence and crave more control over their life and choices. With emotions high this time in a teens life can be very volatile for your son or daughter and also for the parents. With the added pressure of modelling jobs around schoolwork, teenagers need their parents support to make the right decisions and learn how to act maturely. Striking the right balance between looking out for your child and allowing them to thrive independently can seem confusing. Yet, with your help and guidance they will be ready for the world as they grow into an adult.

There Is No Time for Tantrums

The modelling world is known for its competitive, professional and exhausting nature. Therefore, slamming doors, storming off set or refusing to cooperate will not be accepted in the fashion world. Rumours of divas who make ridiculous demands are either untrue or hugely famous where this type of behaviour is tolerated. However, if an emerging model acts in this way they will be replaced instantly. Remember there are thousands of hopefuls trying to break into the industry and therefore, the experts will not tolerate an immature teen.

Signs of Maturity in a Teenager

Levels of teen maturity differ depending on the person, their upbringing and relationship with their parents. It all comes down to how they have been expected to behave in their development years and what they have been able to get away with. For example, mollycoddled children who aren’t expected to clean up after themselves or earn their pocket money will have no true perspective on life. Their expectations in the working world will be off key.

On the opposite end of the scale a neglected teen that hasn’t been cared for will be too independent and make wrong choices. It’s about striking that balance of looking after your teen but allowing them to learn about real life also. Take a look at your child’s emotional maturity. If you notice any of these signs in your teen, they have reached a maturity level that would be able to cope with the demands of modelling.

Does Your Child…….

• Set realistic goals and dreams for the future working towards these.
• Make reasonable decisions when dealing with issues.
• Follow directions from you, their parents, teacher or employer.
• Control their emotions such as anger, disappointment, and jealousy.
• Demonstrate patience when waiting for something they really want and remains calm.
• Refuse to give in to peer pressure from friends.
• Like being in the spotlight but does not need to draw attention to themselves unnecessarily.
• Enjoy learning something new and doesn’t think they know everything.

Of course, no one is perfect, as the saying goes. Your teen may cry if they don’t get the modelling job they wanted or feel self-conscious at a flippant remark made to them at a shoot. However, it’s what they learn from this in the long run that counts and how they act the next time. If you teen can tick off quite a few from the above list, we are confident that they will be able to work in the teen modelling industry. The likes of H&M, Marks & Spencer and Next will appreciate this type of young model at their shoots. 

What Age Does the Brain Stop Developing?

Research has shown that even though that adult maturity age is officially 18 in the UK the brain doesn’t stop developing until 25. Adults and teens brains work differently. An adult thinks with the prefrontal cortex, which is the rational part that we use to make good judgments and makes us aware of long-term consequences. However, the adolescent brain uses the amygdala to process all the information, which is the emotional part. This is the reason  that many teenagers get overwhelmed emotionally and can’t explain their feelings. Basically, their brain development is still very real and they are making judgments emotionally and can’t see the consequences. That’s where parents come into it.

Understanding Your Teenager

It can be difficult for adults to remember what it was like to be a teenager. Also, different children have different types of maturity and what works for one child will not be so successful with another. Therefore, it is essential that you spend time trying to understand and emphasise with your teen. Don’t immediately turn to anger if they make a silly decision. It is about giving them the right tools to succeed and building a relationship that they will feel comforted by. Here are a few ways that you can help them make the right choices and see consequences of their actions.

• Openly discuss the consequences of their actions. This can help for them to connect impulsive decisions with actual facts, which will continue throughout their life.
• Make sure to remind your son or daughter that they are resilient and competent. Sometimes as they are so caught up in the moment that they do not see that they can alter bad situations.
• Get to know your teen and their hobbies. Show an interest in their passions, as it will make them feel important to you.
• Sometimes teens would like to just talk about their problems rather than receive a lecture. Getting it out in the open is a really good thing and unless it very serious you don’t always have to comment unless they want you to.

Teenagers Need Your Attention More Than Ever

Many believe that the baby/toddler years are the hardest and take up a lot of your time. However, teenagers need just as much attention, if not more. The teen years are a time to pull back to allow independence yet they need your help making those all-important decisions. This is why the modelling industry expects an adult to be there on all jobs to support and protect. Teens could easily make a dangerous, impulsive decision without you there. Social media is a big one that you need to keep your eye on. Messages can be sent without your knowledge. Therefore, you need to encourage an open dialogue where your teen will be mature enough to speak to you without flying into a rage. Discuss the message and explain that an instant message is unlikely to be legit. It is wise to go through the correct channels.