Parents of an adolescent report that their daughter seems self-centered and irresponsible. What should the nurse tell them?

• A. To restrict social privileges until the behavior stops
• B. That this is normal behavior for an adolescent
• C. That the adolescent is spoiled by parents
• D. That their daughter will need to see a child psychologist if the behavior continues

Answer: (B)

Adolescence brings identity exploration and a push for independence, and the brain is changing in ways that affect judgment and self-control. Teens often appear self-centered and careless because their reward systems are highly active while the part of the brain that plans, reasons, and inhibits impulses matures later. This combination makes these behaviors typical during this stage, not a sign of fixed personality flaws. The nurse should reassure parents that this is normal and offer practical guidance—set clear expectations, involve the teen in decisions to foster responsibility, and support growth rather than punish. Restricting privileges as punishment or labeling the teen as spoiled aren’t aligned with this developmental phase, and needing a child psychologist would be unlikely unless the behavior is extreme, persistent, or causing significant distress or impairment.