The Secret Diary of The Beautiful Mind

  Emotional/Social Changes, Children in this age group might: Show more concern about body image, looks, and clothes. Focus on themselves; going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence. Experience more moodiness. Show more interest in and influence by peer group. Express less affection toward parents; sometimes might seem rude or short-tempered. Feel stress from more challenging school work. Develop eating problems. Feel a lot of sadness or depression, which can lead to poor grades at school, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sexual exploration, and other problems. Thinking and Learning, Children in this age group might: Have more ability for complex thought. Be better able to express feelings through talking. Develop a stronger sense of right and wrong Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your child during this time: Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sexuality. M

  Emotional/Social Changes Children in this age group might:  Start to form stronger, more complex friendships and peer relationships. It becomes more emotionally important to have friends, especially of the same sex.  Experience more peer pressure.  Become more aware of his or her body as puberty approaches. Body image & eating problems start around this time. Thinking and Learning Children in this age group might:   Face more academic challenges at school. Become more independent from the family .  Begin to see the point of view of others more clearly. Have an increased attention span. Positive Parenting Tips: following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your child during this time:   Encourage your child to join school and community groups, such as a sports team, or to be a volunteer for a charity. Help your child develop his own sense of right and wrong. Talk with him about risky things friends might pressure him to do, like smoking or dangerous physical dares.  H

  Emotional/Social Changes:   Children in this age group might           Show more independence from parents and family.          Start to think about the future.          Understand more about his or her place in the world.          Pay more attention to friendships and teamwork.          Want to be liked and accepted by friends.   Thinking and Learning: Children in this age group might: Show rapid development of mental skills. Learn better ways to describe experiences and talk about thoughts and feelings. Have less focus on one’s self and more concern for others.   Positive Parenting Tips: Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your child during this time: Show affection for your child.  Recognize her accomplishments. Help your child develop a sense of responsibility - ask him to help with household tasks. Talk with your child about school, friends, and things she looks forward to in the future. Talk with your child about respecting others. Encourage