The best eaters may become finicky, the sweetest child may become obnoxious in manners or habits. Their desire to conform and fit in at this time of insecurity is part of their finding themselves, possibly trying on a few different styles and attitudes along the way. Teenagers can be obsessed with the superficial. Along with the physical changes that manifest, comes a desire to shape ones appearance into the current accepted notion of attractiveness. This usually encompasses hairstyles and the brands of clothing everyone else at school is wearing. During this time, you, the parent, will not be cool and will know nothing about what is. Your behaviour, appearance, vehicle may be an embarassment.
A large part of the drama may be due to the hormonal fluctuations of puberty. As was the case with me, puberty for my daughter was a waiting game. All her friends had "it" and were weraring bras before her. Certain foods are known to be estrogenics, such as tofu and other soy products, and yams. These then, would be recommended for girls not boys. Normally a vegetarian, she ate some meat during this time. Also I gave her royal jelly supplements, ( what future queen bees eat ) With all the hormones that are present in meat and dairy products these days usually girls are experiencing menses earlier. For the normal (!) moodiness and discomforts that accompany this time of the month, supplements such as Dong Quai can be invaluable. Dong Quai is known as the female ginseng in the chinese pharmacopeia. I personally use it every month. I have a tincture, but capsules are available at chinese shops or health food stores. I generally use it only when I am experiencing symptoms. Other herbs useful at this time: chamomile, yarrow, feverfew, nettle. Of course with this comes a concern about adequate iron intake. Blackstrap molasses (yumz on porridge), seaweed, beets, and dark greens are iron rich foods for vegetarians. Or take a supplement, liquid is easier to digest than iron tablets.
These times of hormonal havoc, can be a challenge for the immune system as well. Taking something that strengthens and regulates can be very beneficial for males and females. Maca, known as the Peruvian ginseng, is highly nutritious and can benefit males and females, Also astragalus, know as the young peoples ginseng in China, has both adaptogenic (helps the body deal with stress) and immune boosting properties. Other behavioural issues may not be related directly to the bodys' changes. Our youngest child has always seemed to be more confrontational, and calls from the school are something we have had to deal with somewhat regularly since the primary grades. I have always had very clear boundaries around what is acceptable and what my expectations are at home. I am reasonable yet am very clear on what are rights and what are priveleges. Certain teachers seem better able to handle my darling. I don't wish to label my child and yet I do recognize certain tendencies, and hereditary traits may make his school years more difficult. I have always used flax oil and hemp seed oil, on porridge, toast (just think of it as melted butter) and in smoothies. The omega oils and essential fatty acids present in these oils are benficial in brain health. I also give both boys a 1000mg fish oil gel capsule per day.
With the independance of adolesence comes eating food at other peoples houses, and from the corner store by their school, etc. They may go off the healthy food we put in their lunches if it is not what "everyone" is eating. Teens can take an adult multivitamin. Protein shakes or powders can be useful suppliers of nutrients. I have started making mine a shake every morning with all sorts of good for you things yummed up with fruit.
There is light at the end of the tunnel! It is so lovely to hear them saying that they prefer the food we make, or just to see them eat, uncomplaining, even if it is due to the fact that they grew an inch in 2 weeks and their body is willing to accept whatever nutrients they can get their jaws around. It is some consolation to hear them tell you things you have known for years as if telling you something for the first time.At least they are headed in the right direction !
