Knowing versus 'Knowing' 171Two ways of rebelling from authority:- Attack the emotional status of the source of knowledge.
This creates confusion as 'facts' linked to authorities are doubted.
Stability can only be regained by submitting to another authority. - Use Perceiver logic to evaluate words and deeds of authority figures.
Confusion is removed by gaining Perceiver confidence in facts.
Continuing respect for authorities limits the extent of uncertainty.
Finally, the growing teenager will be able eventually to form his own
identity, free of the constraints of childish culture. The previous stage
gradually changed the nature of his thinking. Slowly, blind 'faith' was
replaced by rational facts; step by step, childish assumptions were
transformed into adult thinking. Finally, the sum of common sense reaches
critical mass, and the teenager is able to make a shift from childhood to
adulthood.
Analyzing the behavior of parents can itself help the teenager to
program natural conscience. Remember that natural conscience develops
as Perceiver thought finds repeated connections between cause and effect.
The teen has lived with his parents for years—long enough to experience
similar situations time and again, and to see the long-term consequences of
parental choices. If parents are now experiencing lasting good
consequences, then the teenager can learn which Perceiver rules are worth
following. On the other hand, if parents are suffering painful results, then
Perceiver strategy in the teenager can discover which experiences do not
belong together—this also is a valuable lesson.
How to Avoid Teenage Rebellion
In an earlier section, we looked at parenting suggestions for teaching
the child. I suggest that it is also possible to work out general principles
which can be applied to the teenager, to encourage him either to follow the
path of rebellion or the path of positive growth. Childish training has to
speak the language of the physical body, because the mind of the child is
too immature to handle intellectual content. In contrast, I suggest that it is
both possible and necessary for parents to discuss rules and regulations
with older children. Their minds are sufficiently developed to handle the
content and the interaction is mentally stimulating. However, I suggest that
the way in which parents approach rules is significant and that their attitude
will help to determine the manner in which their children rebel as
teenagers.A We will make two suggestions and then show how these help a
A Everyone has a free will, therefore there are no guarantees. However, I
suggest that it is possible to improve the odds of success in parenting. I