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Understanding your Teen: Adolescent Development

Understanding your Teen: Adolescent Development. Danusia Nedilskyj, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Teresa C. Celada , Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Saint Joseph High School October 7, 2013. OUTLINE. The Adolescent Brain Stages of Adolescence Normal Development of your Teen Warning Signs

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Understanding your Teen: Adolescent Development

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  1. Understanding your Teen:Adolescent Development Danusia Nedilskyj, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Teresa C. Celada, Ph.D. Clinical Psychologist Saint Joseph High School October 7, 2013

  2. OUTLINE • The Adolescent Brain • Stages of Adolescence • Normal Development of your Teen • Warning Signs • Risk Factors • Communicating with your Teen

  3. THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN

  4. HERE’S WHAT HAPPENS... • Uneven pace • Back to front • Physical coordination first, reasoning and impulses last (Prefrontal Cortex) • Does your teen... • Have difficulty controlling his/her emotions? • Has a preference for physical activity? • Exhibit poor planning and judgment (rarely thinks of negative consequences)? • Exhibit risky or impulsive behaviors?

  5. STAGES OF ADOLESCENCE • Early: 11-14 years • Middle: 15-17 years • Late: 17-21 years

  6. ERIKSON’S PSYCHOSOCIAL STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT • Identity versus role confusion • Exploring independence and developing a sense of self • Transition from childhood to adulthood • Crisis resolved, leading to strong sense of self, independence, and control • OR... • Crisis not resolved leading to unstable sense of self , confused about selves and future

  7. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO 11-14 YEAR OLDS?? • Changes in their body • Having friends • Privacy

  8. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO14-17 YEAR OLDS??( Middle Adolescence) Fitting in Fitting in Fitting in

  9. THE WONDER YEARS • Affirmation of self-image through peer groups • Dating!! • Abstract and reasoning skills • Openness with feelings • Realistic vocational goals • Feelings of omnipotence and immortality

  10. WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO 17-21 YEAR OLDS??( Late Adolescence) Future goals (work, school) Relationships (1-1) Family

  11. WHAT IS TYPICAL TEEN BEHAVIOR? • Identity • Privacy • Desire to control • Peer interactions • Mood changes • Sexuality

  12. WHAT IS NOT TYPICAL FOR YOUR TEEN • Academic Red Flags • Sudden drop in academic achievement • Cutting classes, tardiness, or truancy from school • Behavioral Red Flags • Social-Sudden change in friends, problems with authority, poor conflict resolution • Personal-Difficulty concentrating, excessive dependence, poor impulse control

  13. NOT TYPICAL (cont) • Emotional Red Flags • Sudden mood swings • Feeling down, hopeless, worthless • Signs of frustration, anger or stress • Poor self-esteem or lack of motivation to succeed at school • Physical Red Flags • Signs of self harm (scars on hands, stomach, thighs; burn marks) • Aches and Pains • Rapid weight loss or weight gain • Excessive fatigue

  14. RISK FACTORS FOR MENTAL DISTRESS • Genetic factors • Low esteem • Having a learning disability • Isolation • Having chronic medical condition (diabetes, cystic fibrosis, cancer) • Substance abuse • Family history of mood disorder • Home conflict (i.e., divorce, parents who use substances, unsupportive family • Extreme academic pressure • Exposure to trauma: Assault/rape, bullying, domestic violence, community violence, child abuse, chronically chaotic environment.

  15. QUICK TIPS • Early Adolescent Teens • Reasonable and appropriate limits • Choose your battles • Allow your teen to practice exercising good judgment • Mid/Late Adolescent Teens • Rules and privileges • Give second chance • Express your values of school, work, alcohol, etc. • Privacy is normal, don’t take it personally

  16. QUICK TIPS (cont.) • Love and Connect • Their world is changing, make sure your love doesn’t. • Monitor and Observe • Pay attention to their activities, your involvement matters • Guide and Limit • Remember to be both firm and flexible • Model and Consult (with teachers, pastor, pediatrician, etc). • Be a good example for your teen

  17. HOW TO TALK-COMMUNICATING WITH YOUR TEEN • Use connection, not separation, to encourage compliance • Don’t teach, JUST LISTEN • Stay Calm • Keep Talking! • Emphasize strengths and what they’re doing RIGHT. • Focus on self-awareness and self-regulation instead of “bad behavior”

  18. WHO CAN SUPPORT? • Talking to school personnel • Ask about available supports: tutoring, after school programs, special education services • Talking to physician • Ask about normal adolescent development, ensuring healthy behaviors (substance abuse, reproductive health, screen for mental health issues) • Referring to mental health services • Check with insurance carrier for benefits, Info line (211), inquire about private practice providers • Parent Support • Other parents, church or social groups, parenting classes are all valuable resources to remind you that you are not alone!

  19. QUESTIONS? COMMENTS? THANK YOU

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