Inferiority complex has been defined as a lack of self-worth, doubt, and uncertainty about oneself and feelings of not measuring up to standard. It is a sign of low self-esteem. It is possible for an individual to feel this way without even knowing it. While the emotions are often subconscious, it often compels its victims to overcompensate in their performance. This can either take the form of outstanding performance or an anti-social ethic. This feeling is very common among teenagers. Teenagers who are victims of inferiority complex may either exhibit it in their excellent performance in academic activities or may become antisocial and may even become a danger to themselves. The greater the feeling of inferiority that has been experienced, the more powerful the urge and the more violent the emotional agitation.” – Alfred Adler Teenagers fall victim of inferiority complex for various reasons; it may be hereditary, it may be…

We all have our different perceptions and definitions of bullying, some say it is a behavior, often repeated and habitual which involves the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others; others have defined it as the use superior strength or influence to intimidate; while the Merriam Webster Dictionary, defines bullying as abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger, or more powerful. At some point in our teenage lives or high school, we may have been involved in Bullying, either as a victim or the bully, some of us left that phase of life with the thought, “thank God it’s over”; while others carried on to their adult lives, the effects of teenage bullying; scarred for life or became even bigger bullies in their adult life. It’s no wonder various organizations have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the system finds…

What is her opinion about herself, religion, or people of a different race? By – Boma Benjy Iwuoha I recently came across a piece by Dr. Diva Verdun, called Guarding the Concrete Slab. It was a story about an army barracks that had 4 soldiers on post, guarding a concrete slab and changing shifts, 24 hours a day and 7 days a week, for over 80 years. They never sought to find out why they were on constant shifts, guarding the concrete slab, until a new commander was assigned to the barracks. When the new commander asked why the soldiers guarded the concrete slab, he got the answers; “We’ve always done it this way, it’s our tradition or our former commanders instructed us to do this”. The new commander eventually found answers to his questions in an old document in the archives, and guess what; guarding the slab was an…

By: Sejal Parikh Long distance relationships are plagued by far more problems than the gut-wrenching pain of separation itself. In fact, it has been observed that ‘distance’ isn’t the hardest part of a long distance relationship at all. The real challenge implicit within the long distance equation is the discrepancy between your expectations for the relationship and the reality of your current situation. It is within the ‘gap’ between these dual ends of the long distance dynamic that all the long distance relationship problems vacillate. The long distance relationship problems faced by couples can be grouped under three broad categories: Communication problems Relationship problems Psychological problems Communication problems Communication is an important ingredient of all relationships. Especially so, in the case of long distance relationships, where you can’t see the expression on your partner’s face or establish some form of physical contact as a communicative gesture, say,…

Oftentimes as parents, we find ourselves at a point where we have to broach the puberty topic with our kids and young ones. Many parents still find this an “uncomfortable” topic. I remember years back when I first started menstruating, all that talk was done by my mum; when going back to boarding school and we had to make a list of items we needed for school, we were made to take the list with the “girlies” (such as underwear, sanitary pads etc.) to my mum, while the other bulk was given to my dad. When I think back now, I wonder what would have happened if my dad had been a single parent with three adolescent girls. Dads sometimes feel that the puberty talk is for the woman to do, I know single dads that have had to ask their sister, or colleague to talk to their daughter about…

While trying to decide on a topic to discuss in this session, I stumbled upon a discussion on StraightTalkAdvice, A concerned parent had come to the panel to find out what it means, when a teenage girl starts shaving/waxing her pubic hairs. Initially, I found that question quite strange, but after going through the discussion, I got a clearer picture. I remember my mum asking me once, why I wax my legs, Huh? I thought of all the strange questions she had ever asked, that was by far, the most ridiculous; why do I shave my legs? She could clearly see that I had so much hair right from when I hit puberty. Was I supposed to go about looking like a baboon? I thought. Stumbling on this discussion so many years later, I finally get where she’s coming from. So let’s have it; her question – Dear Straight Talk:…

A habit is simply defined as a particular practice, custom, prevailing character or quality; and/or a dominant or regular disposition. Therefore, financial habits can easily be described as your money spending or saving habits; basically, how you manage your finances. In this session, we are taking a look at our teenage daughters and how we can help them manage their finances better, without necessarily becoming thrifty. The world is generally in need of good knowledge of financial literacy, and parents are required to play a vital role in helping their teens acquire this knowledge. It is never too early to start talking to teens or children about good financial habits that will save them a lot of headaches later in their lives. Many parents leave it completely to the tutors, and the schools to do the teaching, some of their arguments are, “I’m not an accountant”, or “my obligation is…