How Social Identity Impacts early Childhood Development

Teenagers, at this age, have strong sexual desires. They are mostly living in a world of friends and romantic relationships. Here is what to expect: 

• They have a deep interest in romantic relationships and sexuality.

• Show more independence from and less conflict with parents. They spend less time with family and more time with friends.

• Have an enhanced capacity for caring and sharing and developing more intimate relationships.

• Can be overcome by feelings of sadness or depression, which can lead to poor grades at school, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sex, and other problems.

• Shows signs of confidence and increased resistance to peer pressure. 

As a parent, here’s what you can do to help your child: 

• Discuss the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse. 

• Keep an eye for unusual behavior or suicidal thoughts. Address them quickly if you notice anything different. 

• Be aware of the websites your child is browsing, the kind of activities she is engaged in online (for e.g. online chatting). Make her aware that she still needs your approval to do certain activities and why it is important to keep you informed. 

• Show interest in your child’s school and extracurricular activities. Encourage them to be involved in sports, music, theatre, or art.

• Show affection for your teen. Spend time together doing things you enjoy.

• Respect your teen’s opinion. Listen to her without playing down her concerns.

• Encourage her to develop solutions to problems on her own. But be available when she needs advice. 

• Respect your teen’s need for privacy.

• Encourage her to choose her friends wisely. 

Your role in keeping your child safe is important, no matter how old he or she is. 

Stay Tuned! Stay Relevant!