Introduction
The teenage years are inherently defiant (Harrell 1). The years are often difficult for the majority of families. Typically, as children enter into adolescence, notions, morals, and opinions different from those of the parents emerge. This is part of the ordinary development towards individuality. Parents may wonder how much freedom they should grant children at diverse ages and situations.
During my teenage years, I was careless, and listening to my parents was a huge challenge for me. However, my carelessness came at a huge price after a giant firework exploded on my face. This essay is aimed at illustrating to teenagers why being defiant can cost one his or her life. Further, it touches on books and articles that may assist parents in dealing with disciplinary issues of teenagers. Also, it seeks to illustrate how narratives are essential in addressing personal issues that have the potential to impact those in immediate surroundings by explaining the outcome of a certain behavior or conduct.
Main Body
Since time immemorial, obedient teenagers are highly regarded in society. They are considered valuable individuals. Naturally, such teenagers are liked. They are expected to become responsible adults (Kidshealth 1). Between the age of ten and fifteen years, I had become aggressively notorious. I was rebellious and would not listen to anyone except my peers. However, the advice that I got from them was often misleading.
We would fight teenagers from other neighborhoods. The rivalry was a typical occurrence in our lives. Despite the delicate balancing of authority and love we received from our parents, the relationship between my father and I was deteriorating. Strictness and communication are often advocated in such situations (Better health 1). Despite the scolding that came from my father, he was always there for me. When I behaved well, I would receive a positive remark that would often be accompanied by a treat. My life took a twist during my fifteenth birthday.
My father had offered his advice to be careful when handling fireworks. In retrospect, he reflected on how much freedom he would grant since I was now entering the troublesome years. He stated that even though it was my job to grow up and become independent, he would not allow me to blast fireworks that night. In recent days, many accidents had occurred in our neighborhood involving teenagers and fireworks. I thought that he was now violating my right to childhood by curtailing my engagement to childhood fun.
I was defiant and purchased four fireworks. One was giant-size. I had invited five of my friends to the party. Before the actual party, I had challenged my friends to a firework detonating as a rehearsal to the main event. The party was attended by family friends and relatives. During the party, we argued with a friend about who amongst the neighbors and friends ever held the largest display of fireworks.
As the last visitors left, displayed the fireworks in the darkness. My father had objected to the move in a style similar to that suggested by Harrell (2014). It is about talking to children so that they can listen. However, my attitude was boiling. I then turned to a huge firework reserved for the finale. This had not completely exploded. Like any other teenager, my curiosity got the better of me. Regardless of the constant warnings I had received from my parents, I got arrogant and messed with the packing. I sought to see if I could pull off the fuse. As I bent down to complete my intention, three of the rockets exploded.
Before I could swerve from the splits, I was hit on the face. The whole nose and the left ear were badly hit. The neck was not spared either as it was badly burnt. I was aware that the remaining splits would ignite in sequence. I managed to quickly swerve to one side. I could feel the force of the splits blasting centimeters away from my scarred face.
The blast happened so instantly. I saw sparks and then the rockets exploded on my face. The force made me feel as if I had rammed into a brick wall. The thought that I had lost my sight made me close my eyes in fear of facing the reality. Waiting for the ambulance to arrive from the nearby hospital appeared like an eternity. The only thing that was running in my mind was that I hold lost my sight. Having a scarred face did not trouble me.
My face was sprinkled with gunpowder. My face was stitched. I was given a makeover and a therapeutic scrub to get rid of layers of the scarred skin. This was meant to stimulate the regrowth of healthy skin. For the next two months, I had to receive fresh dressings. I could hardly open the jaw for a month.
My injuries were a result of carelessness and a rebellious attitude. Irresponsible competition with friends as to who could perform the most stupid actions was also a contributor to the injuries. For over four years, birthday fireworks at night had intensified. The fireworks I had about for my fifteenth birthday had become larger and superior. We would watch each other’s display at night from the back gardens. Surprisingly, I received no reprimand from my parents.
They were supportive throughout my sickness as suggested by Markham (2014). The accident was a turning point in my life. I think about what could have happened if the injuries were fatal especially to my parents. Although it came at a cost, it was a great lesson for me. I was remorseful and easily got away with it. However, it changed my character and attitude a big deal. I was afraid that the accident would have a drastic effect on our family as my brother would have copied my bad behavior. I am now a role model.
Role of narrative in contemporary society
The traditional narrative often reflected socio-historical situations impose on populations. They particularly had lessons that the entire society learned from certain behaviors of individuals. On the other hand, contemporary narrative circles around how circumstances have a bearing on personal and consequently the public. In essence, contemporary narratives reflect on the result of a certain behavior or action to the individual and how it affects the immediate surroundings either positively or negatively (Markham 1). Contemporarily, narratives are explanations of agents whose personality or fate unfolds through engagements and time, presupposing a social order of meaning.
The contemporary narrative is exhibited by Kidshealth. In expressing the social order of meaning, the source indicates that the majority of children reveal the beginning of teenage with an intense change of behavior when in the vicinity of the parents. They tend to distance themselves from parents displaying more independence. They become aware of how their peers behave and to a great extent try to suit in.
They try different identities. Inherently, they become utterly conscious of how different they are from their peers (Ahmann 383). Often, this leads to incidents of anguish and fights with parents. This ultimately affects the home surrounding and may overflow to the neighborhood as was my case. In my case, competition emerged between me and the neighboring boys that would have resulted in a catastrophic accident.
Annotated Bibliography
Harrell, Elizabeth. Do you know how to discipline a teenager?. 2013. Web.
This internet source is a guide for parents and guardians with teenagers authored by Elizabeth Harrell. It gives the viewpoints of youth regarding what they think about rebellious behaviors during their teenage years. The author conducted a study to discover what children believed were the worst blunders or greatest moves made by parents and guardians when correcting them. Harrell articulates that when people think of disciplining teenagers, the thing that comes to mind is about misunderstandings, rebellion, and uncontrolled hormones.
She suggests that instead of confrontations with the teenager, parents should view the situation from a perspective of respect, coherent discussions, reasonable behavior, and changing into adulthood.
Harrell suggests that it is possible to discipline teenagers without destroying the relationship. It requires a delicate balance of power and nurturing. This view is acceptable in social circles. It is positive to consistent as a parent. Teenagers are often upset when certain conduct is tolerable one day and intolerable the next. The article is appropriate for parents with teenagers as it creates a roadmap on how to discipline teenagers.
Kurt, Songul. The Morality Course in Ottoman Educational Institutions and Girls’ Moral (Ahlâk) Education (1839-1922). 2013. Web.
This source documents how teenagers especially girls are expected to behave in Ottoman educational institutions. He states that teenage girls are expected to be morally upright to fit well in the society. He illustrates how girls are trained by the teachers on the importance of being moral. More fundamentally, they are taught how to be responsible and inculcate proper behaviors towards families, friends, and relatives. The subject cover by the author is not only important for teenage girls but also appropriate for boys.
I will use this article to get a general view of how teenagers of both genders behave. Inherently, it will offer me a better perspective of girls since I know considerably enough about boys, having grown up as one with immense notoriety.
Ahmann, Elizabeth. “Promoting Positive Parenting: An Annotated Bibliography.” Pediatric Nursing 28.4(2002): 382-385. Print.
Ahmann begins the article by giving her contribution to parenting issues. She states that positive parenting is founded on respect for children. It helps in developing their self-esteem and responsibility. She suggests that parents should set clear and achievable expectations. Instead of punishing teenagers, she suggests that there should be constructive communication. She suggests that while parents should be strict in issues that cannot be negotiated, many avenues can be used to achieve positive child development. She then reflects on a variety of books that address parenting issues and child development.
This article will be useful to me as it will provide an apt launching pad to explore different views from different authors regarding parenting issues. I will use the extracts in the form of an annotated bibliography to further expand my research into the field of parenting and specifically how teenagers should be handled.
Works Cited
Ahmann, Elizabeth. “Promoting Positive Parenting: An Annotated Bibliography.” Pediatric Nursing 28.4(2002): 382-385. Print.
Betterhealth: Parenting-Communication with Teenagers. 2014. Web.
Harrell, Elizabeth. Do You Know How To Discipline A Teenager?. 2013. Web.
Kidshealth: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Teen Years. 2014. Web.
Kurt, Songul. The Morality Course in Ottoman Educational Institutions and Girls’ Moral (Ahlâk) Education (1839-1922). 2013. Web.
Markham, Laura. Teenagers (Age 16-18 Years). 2014. Web.