The Teenage Years
(What parents can expect)
Parent Power School
January 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 Changes
Mental 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
