Adolescence – the Netflix series is unmissable. The leit motif is VULNERABILITY.
The series is done excellently well exploring facets of #parenting, puberty, effects of bullying, the confusion of alpha masculinity, incel, body image issues and modern trends in relationships for teenagers.
Episode 1 – My heart went out in the initial 10 minutes for the 13 year old Jamie being arrested for murdering his classmate ( girl ). Really sets us thinking, this is just a child. This was my #vulnerability as I counsel teenagers and always believe they is hope and scope for them to change.
Episode 2 – also reveals how #Boomers lag behind at insta language and what the colour of heart depicts as we like a post or image. I myself have sent coloured hearts to few and now cringe on it. It also shows the vulnerability of a cop to understand that he needs to do more for his son and the openness of the son to educate his father on insta lingo. The need for a teen boy is evident that the father needs to ‘SON’ him more.
Episode 3 is deep and is triggering. The #psychologist has a job to do, she confronts, empathizes, explores, fears and brings him to explore and understand his own emotions. There is no labelling here but the emotions of a confused teenager with rage in his blood exposes the fabric of the society that compels people to fit in.
He self-deprecates himself as ‘ugly’ and also does not believe that the girl is dead. Dissociation and far away from the truth he builds transference with the psychologist as she treats him to a chocolate shake with marshmallows and a pickle sandwich. The psychologist is his only confidante and she validates the mimicry, smart answers and she is also the target for his explosive showdowns. The world shatters for him as she mentions that this is his last session. I would not deem it as counter transference but she sobs holding her dignified profile. Her helplessness is also a vulnerability.
Episode 4 is about the family and parents doubting themselves as where they went wrong. Were they too absorbed in creating financial security and providing best gadgets to the boy who was in his room shut for the entire day and night? What could have the father done more? An emotional after thought looms large as he fails to gain insight. He also wonders how his elder daughter turned up so mature.
Lots of lessons to learn here as times and changing and we need to model newer inner work as parents, take up more responsibility in building confidence for our children. Shame and Guilt if expressed by all of us can be treated with healing and #therapy.
