Resources

Brighton, Kenneth. Coming of : The

Education & Development of Young

Adolescents. Westerville, OH:

National Middle School

Association. 2007. Print

Understanding

Your Young

Adolescent

Emotional (cont.)

Your young adolescent is having a battle within

themselves, trying to be independent from

adults while frequently requiring and still se-

cretly desiring adult protection and securi-

ty. (Brighton, 59) Allow your child to figure

things out themselves but still be there when

they need you.

Helping your child develop their self-esteem

plays a major role in the well-being of individ-

uals and directly relates to their suc-

cess. (Brighton, 63) Helping young adoles-

cents be successful in different areas of their

lives allows them to develop this. You can also

help their self-esteem by listening to your child

and teach them to focus on doing their best

(not being the best).

Here are a few emotional characteristics that

young adolescencents frequently exhibit:

moodiness, fickleness, reaction to criticism,

impulsiveness, need for privacy and stress.

One of the best traits young adolescents ex-

hibit is a sense of humor. Teach your child to

learn to laugh about life. Be sure to teach

your child not to direct their humor at others.

Most importantly, support your child and let

them know that you love them. They really

need that security at this age.

BROCHURE FOR 6TH GRADE

PARENTS

MADE BY

BRANDY BORG

As parents, it is important to be

able to understand the social, intellectual,

physical and emotional changes that your

child will be going through. This brochure

will help you be aware of the changes so you

can be prepared and prepare your child.

The physical changes that accompany pu-

berty inevitably produce some anxiety for

young teens, but knowing what to expect as

puberty unfolds is very reas-

suring. (Brighton, 52)

Social

Peer relationships are

the most important aspect

of your childs life at this

point. Help your child de-

velop positive friend groups.

Young adolescents are very egocentric,

they believe that the world revolves

around them. They cannot see how

their actions affect others. Sometimes

this can get in the way of their peer and

family relationships.

Help your child find a group or activity

to belong to. It will ensure that young

adolescents will meet other teens with

common interests and inclina-

tions. (Brighton, 28) This is important

to help your child feel accepted.

Teach your child about the ramifications

of bullying. Let them know adults that

are safe for them to go to; not just if

they are being bullied, but if they see

bullying.

Changes During Young Adolescence

Physical

Growth spurts: from

2-4 inches and up to 50

lbs.

Endocrine system is

fully turned on and releas-

ing a vast amount of hor-

mones. Oil and sweat glands begin to open

which causes the need for more personal

hygiene. Acne can become a problem.

Outward physical changes, such as breast

development and voice changes.

Sexual maturation

Bones grow faster than soft tissues

(muscles) and bones are very prone to

breakage. They are not well protected by

soft tissues.

It is very important to make sure your child

understands nutrition and things that are

healthy for them. They will be increasing

their caloric intake. According to Brighton,

Only 20% consume the recommended al-

lotment of five servings of fruits and vegeta-

bles per day.

Intellectual

Young adolescents are very literal. It is a

mistake for adults to assume that young

teens will act upon tasks that are simply

implied but not explicity defined. (Brighton,

8) You need to give them detailed and spe-

cific instructions.

Intellectual (cont.)

Young adolescents tend to be argumenta-

tive. Brighton explains, due to their more

advanced intellectual ability, they have

become better at arguing. (P.10) The

best thing to do is to avoid power strug-

gles with them.

It is common to see academic decline in

young adolescents. Brighton informs us,

most middle school students are more

concerned with their social status than

they are academic standing. (p.10) As a

parent, dont panic; most students recover

with time.

Some students at this age have a hard time

being connected with subjects because

they cannot find relevance with the topic.

Ask your student about their class topics

and help your students find real world

applications for the topics.

Emotional

Young adolescents

have a hard time

considering others

because they are

consumed w i th

themselves. They believe that everyones

attention is centered on them when they

are in the presence of others. (Brighton,

56)

They often feel that they are completely

different from everyone else and feel that

nobody understands them. Sometimes a

way to support your child during these

times is just to listen to their concerns.