How Do These Changes Affect Teens?

How Do These Changes Affect Teens?
Teens begin to spend more time with their friends than their families. It is within friendship groups that teens can develop and practice social skills. Teens are quick to point out to each other which behaviors are acceptable and which are not. It is important to remember that even though teens are spending increased amounts of time with their friends, they still tend to conform to parental ideals when it comes to decisions about values, education, and long-term plans.
Teens may have more questions about sexuality. They may ask about adults’ values and beliefs. They may ask how you knew it was time to have sex or why you waited.
Teens may begin to keep a journal. Part of achieving identity is thinking about one’s thoughts and feelings (reflective thought). Teens often begin journaling as a way of working through how they feel.
When they are in their rooms, teens may begin to lock their bedroom doors. Locking doors is a way to establish privacy
Teens may become involved in multiple hobbies or clubs. In an attempt to find out what they are good at, teens may try many activities. Teens’ interests also change quickly. (Today you are into yoga, and tomorrow you are into soccer).
Teens may become elusive about where they are going or with whom. When asked what they’ll be doing for the evening, teens typically reply with “nothing” or “hanging out.” When asked whom they’ll be with, teens reply, “just some friends.”
Teens may become more argumentative. Teens may question adults’ values and judgments. When teens don’t get their way, they may say, “you just don’t understand.”
Teens may not want to be seen with parents in public. They may make parents drop them off a block from their friends’ houses or from school.
Teens may begin to interact with parents as people. Even though they may not want to be seen with parents in public, teens may begin to view parents more as people. They may ask more questions about how a parent was when he or she was a teen. They may attempt to interact with adults more as equals.
1) When do males “typically” begin and end puberty?
2) When do girls “typically” go through puberty?
3) What are 2 physical changes that both boys and girls go through (you can list 2 each if they aren’t the same changes)
4) Can you relate to any of the changes discussed in either of these two articles?
5) What do you think is the hardest part about the physical changes you endure during puberty?
6) What is autonomy (in your own words)?
7) How do you feel your psycho-social development has affected your relationship with your parent(s)?
8) Physical Development – Please summarize all your findings in two or more paragraphs
9) Cognitive Development – Please summarize your findings in two or more paragraphs