Key points
Growing up can be a challenging process for young people facing thoughts and feelings of apprehension.
Many young people compromise themselves by seeking security from superficial peer attention and approval.
Popularity wasn't a pursuit of many successful people when young because they were focused on valued living.
Insecure.
That’s the word I would choose to best capture the growing-up experience of teenagers. A characterization harvested from my 56 years of working with youth as a coach, psychologist, teacher, mentor, playground supervisor, camp counselor, etc.
Please don't do my age math on that!
What’s the insecurity all about? A mix of things, including the search for identity , socializing with peers, and just plain getting older. Those, and other contributing fac