Teenagers are struggling with hormonal and biological changes impacting their body, mind and emotions. Running parallel to that are academic pressures, high expectations, peer pressure, unlimited exposure to media and networking. Also new in their life could be addictions and romance. They are not experienced to handle any of these things and often experience stress, anxiety, anger and depression. Our technologically advanced existence has definitely added a plethora of comforts into our lives. But it has introduced us to greater challenges and stresses as compared to the yesteryears. Many teenagers who are caught in a transitional phase, make use of 'artificial' intelligence for seeking their plausible professions but are expected to make a dynamic difference to the 'real' world.'

Most of the time, major issues and aspects gobble up the limelight. It is true that youngsters are becoming precocious and getting afflicted by matters that affected adults earlier. But problems are not merely related to the larger, more impactful aspects. Rather, they might emanate from subtle and delicate ones. Bullying is often spoken about with contempt and disdain. But should we not recognise it when it is not direct and obvious, but silent and cryptic? Social exclusion by peers, creating emotional distress due to physical, mental or emotional incompetency, harassment of effeminate boys, though mild in comparison, can have similar and far reaching impact on developing minds.

Usually, we do not really turn our attention to these minute details that may be distressing the adolescents. Though many parents now, have become liberal and understanding in outlook as compared to those of the past, the complexities of the human psyche have also become more perplexing

Furthermore, as we are marching into technological modernisation and the lines between reality and virtuality are blending, parenting is becoming more and more challenging. It is only a tooth fairy tale to assume that we have been able to bridge the generation gap due to being liberal in our outlook. In reality, the gap has increased manifold and at a mind boggling rate. With technologically advanced gen z, even the most modern, well educated and advanced parents are at their wits end when it comes to handling their 'bundles of joy.'

Sometimes, all that a teen needs is a patient ear, understanding and attention, definitely not an overdose of the same.

Yet, despite the leap in time, many of us apply age old parenting techniques. But we may not be completely aware of the impact that this immense exposure to augmented reality has had on our children. A lot of us wish that there were schools that showed us the way for parenting this new harvest of youngsters. But even after the self exhausting exercise of trying to do the best for them, we feel as if we are falling short of our own expectations.

Yet, it is comparatively easier to confront the belligerent ones. It is really difficult to counsel those losing confidence and the sense of self worth. It takes many times over an effort to deal with such tender hearted ones. As a parent, one would have to make constant efforts to boost their self worth, to inspire them. Generally, such teenagers look up to their parents for inspiration. Some pep talk or encouraging epithets from elders work more than any other technique in boosting their level of confidence.