Adolescence is the period of developmental transition between childhood and
adulthood. It involves changes in personality, as well as in physical,
intellectual and social development. During this time of change, teens are faced
with many issues and decisions. This handout addresses some of the key issues that can have an
impact on a teen's social development.
Self-esteem
Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. The development of a positive
self-image and a healthy self-esteem is very important for making a successful
transition from child to adult. Here are some suggestions for helping to
encourage positive self-esteem in your teen:
- Give your child words of encouragement each day.
- Remember to point out the things your child does right, not just the
mistakes.
- Be generous with praise.
- Give constructive criticism, and avoid criticism that takes the form of
ridicule or shame.
- Teach your child about decision-making and make it a point to recognize
when he or she has made a good decision.
- Help your child learn to focus on his or her strengths by pointing out all
of his or her talents and abilities.
- Allow your teen to make mistakes. Overprotection or making decisions for
teens can be perceived as a lack of faith in their abilities. This can make
them feel less confident.
- When disciplining your child, replace shame and punishment with positive
reinforcement for good behavior. Shame and punishment can make an adolescent
feel worthless and inadequate.
Peer pressure
As children grow, they begin to spend more time with their friends and less
time with their parents. As a result, friends can influence a child's thinking
and behavior. This is the essence of peer pressure. Peer pressure can be a
positive influence--for example, when it motivates your child to do well in
school, or to become involved in sports or other activities. On the other hand,
peer pressure can be a negative influence--for example, when it prompts your
child to try smoking, drinking, using drugs, or to practice unsafe sex or other
risky behaviors. Here are some tips to help minimize the negative influences of
peer pressure and to maximize the positive:
- Develop a close relationship with your child, and encourage open and
honest communication. Children who have good relationships with their
parents are more likely to seek a parent's advice about decisions or
problems.
- Help your child understand what peer pressure is. The child will be better
able to resist negative influences if he or she understands what's happening
and why.
- Reinforce the values that are important to you and your family.
- Nurture your teen's own abilities and self-esteem so that he or she is not
as susceptible to the influences of others.
- Teach your child how to be assertive, and praise assertive behavior.
- Give your teen breathing room. Don't expect him or her to do exactly as
you say all of the time.
- Try to avoid telling your child what to do; instead, listen closely and
you may discover more about the issues influencing your child's behavior.
- Provide discipline. Your child needs to understand that there are
consequences to negative behaviors.