Adolescence
Adolescence is a tough time for everyone. Not only is it a turbulent time for the teen that is going through this stage in life, but also for the parents and caretakers of them. At this time in their life, adolescents believe that they are adults, when adults know that is not the case at all. Chapter 8 goes through when adolescence begins, as well as the physical and cognitive developments that occur during this time. Following this, we are introduced to identity issues, social development, sexual identity and mental heal issues that are associated with this stage of life.
As outsiders, it is difficult for us to commiserate with teens going through this time of their life because most of it is hormonal and internal. One of the things that I found really interesting in this chapter was that the average age of menarche for girls has been decreasing. On page 189, the text says that "in the United States, in the late 18th and 19th centuries, the average age of menarche was 17. Today the average age of menarche is 12.5." Along with this, the text highlights several reasons that this could be happening. The most compelling theory to me was that by Ellis and associates (1999) indicating that family relationships are associated with starting puberty later, especially if a father is present in the home. Generally, it is believed that females who have not had a father figure or a good relationship with their father when they are growing up tend to me more promiscuous. It would be interesting to see if the data would correlate between an absent father figure, early menarche and sexual promiscuity.
Throughout this chapter it was interesting to learn just how many different behaviors begin and that come about in adolescence are effected by family interactions. I firmly believe that every child deserves a loving home life, and seeing how much having one can effect a child through adolescence and even carry on to adulthood strengthens this belief.
Every child deserves a loving home. A strong family is a foundation for further sucess going forward in life. To me the students or children that come from nothing and still make it are the impressive ones.
ReplyDeleteDear Tessa,
ReplyDeleteYou made a very important note to the behavior of teens. Promiscuous behavior has a big reflection on the adolescents family, wherein the father is a key role-player. It is definitely the constant observation as a child who sees only the mother who can do whatever, whenever. The lack of the father removes the embarrassment factor while at home and dressing promiscuously. This later spills out in the society because this behavior gets acceptance at home. The presence of the father, a male figure makes the fear of embarrassment real in the child's life. Father's tend to be protective and command discipline making the reinforcement of the social acceptance according to the father's ideas being incorporated into the adolescent's mind.
I enjoyed your blog and you have great ideas. I have a slightly different view on one of your statements. I feel that we can sympathize with teenagers, at least a bit. We shouldn't view ourselves as outsiders but more as experienced resources that teens can get help from. From that approach, teens can have an outlet to vent, if they so choose to.
ReplyDeleteI think there's definitely some interesting food for thought in your blog. I would like to see if there was some kind of correlation, between absent father figures and early menarche. I guess I just assume that there is a correlation for absent father figures and sexual promiscuity, but I'm not sure why I make that assumption. That's assuming that single mothers or same sex couples can't raise a child with a healthy sex life. Or worse, that an absent father has more sway than a present, committed mother.
ReplyDeleteWow, lots to think about! Thanks for a great post.
I think absent fathers and mothers do play a role in the behavior of teens. however i do think that even in a single parent household the child still has a the ability to flourish. i think with proper parenting some of those negative behaviors can be avoided.
ReplyDeleteTessa, I appreciate that you wrote about the differing ages of menarche overtime. I agree that Ellis' theory about the family unit's role in the changing age is very interesting! I too would love to see if there is a correlation between an absent father figure, early menarche and sexual promiscuity. Great thoughts!
ReplyDelete