The Teenage Years (What parents can

expect)

Parent Power SchoolJanuary 22, 2014

About Teens Teenager: a person between the ages of 13

and 19 inclusive.

Characteristics Independent, emotional and rebellious Energetic, adventurous and risk taking Maturing physically, hormonal, sexually aware

and social Intellectual growth

Teens experience rapid changes: Physiologically Psychologically Socially Emotionally Cognitively

The brain begins a pruning and strengthening process at the age of 13.

Your teen needs you now more than ever!

Psychological Changes Moods & Behaviors hot & cold, mean & nice (rollercoaster effect) seeking self-independence Test/Question parent authority

Contradictions meaning/value of the real world internal stress (anxiety) drive to problem solve isolation of oneself (depression)

Physiological Changes Rapid growth

Growth in height, weight, body and facial hair For girls, you might start to see early physical

changes from about 10 or 11 years, but they might start as young as 8 years or as old as 13 years.

For boys, physical changes usually start around 11 or 12 years, but they might start as young as 9 years or as old as 14 years

Body odor & Acne sweat glands in certain places, such as under the arms

and in the groin make oils as well as ordinary sweat. These glands start making the oils after the beginning of puberty.

Skin becomes coarser and the sebaceous glands produce more oil that can cause acne and blackheads

Cognitive ChangesMental Development

Thinking more abstractly Seeking independence Establishing identities & sexual orientation Reasoning and decision making

Emotional Changes Show strong feelings More sensitive to other’s emotions More self-conscious Goes through a ‘bulletproof’ stage Learn self-control Discovering their emotional state

Social Changes Searching for identity and acceptance Seeking more responsibility Looking for new experiences Thinking over ‘right’ & ‘wrong’ Influenced by peers Communicating in different ways

(hi-tech devices are preferable)

Teen Issues

Depression

Symtoms: ►academic performance - --- – declined ►emotional chaos - – psychologically desperate

– feeling insecure – self-isolated – substance abused – eating disorder

– thoughts of suicide

Traumatic stress Symptoms: ►re-experiencing (PTSD)

►avoidance/isolation

►insomnia

Keep in mind Every child is different Avoid comparing and learn to accept their

personality They will make mistakes and learn from them Remind them of the family values

(You are who you hang out with. True or false?) You play a huge role in their development

Parent role throughout puberty stage

o Be available and open minded Be a parent, but also a friend when they seek help (earn their trust) Let them know they can trust you when in doubt Listen to their concerns and thoughts with an open mind

o Be ready and aware (knowledge is key) Know the challenges they can be faced with and be ready with different ways to

deal with them Learn about the current trends teens face day by day

o Be involved Know who their friends are Plan activities together

Be a role model & their reason for decision making Practice what you preach Give them boundaries and be their excuse to make the right choice

Know your teen What is their favorite subject? What are their extra-curricular activities(s)? Who are your teens friends? Their families? What is their favorite movie? Know their whereabouts and communicate Befriend them on their social media accounts Set time aside for your teen ONLY (walk in the park, eat out, etc.)

Something that will allow you to talk about their day

Family Tips Have dinner together as a family Teach your teen to cook, do yard work, etc. (share your interests) Share your “love” experiences as a teen Educate your child about sexual activity, STD’s and contraception. Read Self-Help books about psychological/child development Plan family activities (road trip, camping, movie night) Catch up with the current social trends Set rules, boundaries and expectations and have consequences

(be firm & follow through)

BE INVOLVED!

Questions/Concerns

Thank You