Adolescence is often associated with various kinds of problems. During this period, it is difficult to communicate with the child and be authority for him. However, not all parents know how to behave with their child. Therefore, the publication will consider the psychological characteristics of adolescence. Useful tips will also be given that mothers and fathers will be able to use in practice to maintain peace in the family.
What is adolescence?
Before moving on to the psychological characteristics of adolescent children, you need to understand when it begins and how to determine it. This will help parents understand at what point difficulties may begin.
Adolescence is the period when a person passes from childhood to adolescence. Usually it begins at 10-12 years and lasts up to 15-16 years. Also, this age is called transitional, puberty and adolescence. At this stage of life, puberty and rapid growth of the body begin. The sphere of consciousness and the system of relationships are radically changing. Self-esteem is also formed, interest in oneself as a person develops, often a child feels himself an adult. If a teenager does not have opportunities for individualization and realization of opportunities, then self-expression can go into an unfavorable form.
Signs of adolescence
With the onset of puberty, a person begins to grow actively in height (up to ten centimeters per year). Boys usually cease to stretch when they are 22 years old, and girls as early as 16-18 years old. During adolescence, the breasts begin to form in girls, and in boys - the testicles. Both sexes also actively grow hair in the groin and under the armpits.
The physiological and psychological characteristics of adolescence are closely related. Therefore, with external changes, changes in character can be observed. An affectionate and obedient child can dramatically become rude, touchy, and categorical. Often you can observe emotional instability, which manifests itself in a temper or lack of sociality and isolation in school. Many adolescents have problems with self-esteem: for some it is underestimated, while for others, on the contrary, it is overestimated. Also for this age is characterized by an increased interest in peers. Therefore, it is important for the child to follow the requirements and values of a certain circle of friends. Many girls and boys begin to try alcohol, tobacco and drugs.
So that the problems of the teenager do not go over the line, it is important for parents not to go to extremes themselves. You need to be patient and sensitive to your child and try to become a friend and not an enemy for him. To better understand a growing up child, one should consider the psychological characteristics of adolescence separately for each gender.
Features of the development of boys
Growing up boys can be divided into three main groups. These are physical, sexual and emotional symptoms. They are closely interconnected and flow from one another under the influence of the production of the hormone testosterone. It is thanks to him that the boys gradually become men.
With regard to physical signs, young men are actively developing muscles and expand their shoulders. The smell of sweat becomes stronger and more unpleasant. Many boys have acne on the face and back. The voice also breaks. Hair begins to grow vigorously on the face, in the armpits and groin. At first they will be fluffy, but gradually they will become more rigid and noticeable. At this age, the genitals are actively developing. Therefore, interest in the opposite sex and sexual desire begin to appear. At night, pollutions are possible - an uncontrolled ejaculation that goes away as one grows older.
Already in early adolescence, psychological characteristics change. As a rule, boys become aggressive, inattentive and distracted. They are characterized by mood swings and maximalism in everything. At the same time, growing young men can begin to become complex about their external changes. Therefore, parents should tell their son in advance about possible physical manifestations and pay more attention to hygiene.
Features of the education of teenage boys
Psychologists and educators give a lot of advice to parents. The psychological characteristics of adolescence, experts pay great attention. How to behave with a son?
First of all, parents should learn to engage in a constructive dialogue without tedious moralizing and excessive notations. Trust and understanding in this matter will be the best helpers. Limit the independence of a teenage boy is not worth it. It is better to tactfully give advice than to give ready-made, but not always correct answers. You also do not need to try to make fun of the values that the son adheres to.
So that a growing boy can throw out excess energy, it must be gradually introduced from an early age to sports, physical activity and quality leisure. It will also help improve health and reduce the risk of bad companies and alcohol abuse.
Features of the development of girls
Adolescent girls develop reproductive organs, breasts, and thighs, buttocks, and pelvic bones expand. Menstruation begins, hair appears in the pubic area and armpits. Due to a hormonal surge, an imbalance in the endocrine, nervous and vegetovascular systems may occur. Therefore, parents should not only educate their daughters about physical changes. It is also important to pay great attention to health and be regularly observed by doctors.
In girls in adolescence, psychological characteristics associated with physical development are even stronger. This can be explained by the fact that in them nature is laid down for men to like, therefore, great attention is paid to appearance. Due to the increase in body weight, many girls begin to complex. Sometimes it comes to the point that they begin to limit themselves in nutrition. This can lead to anorexia, a serious mental illness. Therefore, parents should carefully monitor their daughter's diet.
Features of the education of teenage girls
Of great importance is the spiritual and aesthetic education of the growing girl. Therefore, parents need to develop personal care and hygiene skills in connection with changes in the body. Also, the girl should be aware of issues of love, sex and adult relationships. This will help her in the future to cope with the adoption of family and gender roles. It will be useful to give my daughter a good book, which is aimed at educating adolescents about growing up.
Speaking about the psychological characteristics of adolescent children, it must be mentioned that there are several stages of this period. They should be considered separately in order to better understand the child.
10-11 years old
With the onset of adolescence, children begin to undergo various changes that will make them girls and boys. Hence the feeling of adulthood that is characteristic of adolescents. Therefore, parents should take even a ten-year-old child seriously, listening to him.
Usually, adulthood at this age manifests itself in the form of copying idols and imitating other people's manners. Moreover, the appearance, ownership of equipment and any accessories always comes first. Therefore, you need to be sympathetic if the child asks for a thing that is unnecessary or inappropriate, according to the parents. Girls, for example, are already starting experiments with cosmetics. No need to scold and prohibit the use of decorative means. It is better to purchase quality products suitable for this age, and to teach how to use it correctly.
Also, at 10-11 years old, some psychological characteristics of temperament begin to appear. In adolescence, children become slower, but this is not a violation, so you do not need to be scared. This is due to changes in mental processes - thinking and memory, which are closely interconnected. Teenagers begin to more meaningfully understand and consciously remember the material they read.
Also, girls and boys at this age still listen to adults. Therefore, parents and other relatives need to carefully select statements about the child. Otherwise, due to excessive sensitivity to the opinions of others, far-fetched fears may arise, which will not be so easy to get rid of.
11-13 years old
The features of psychological health in adolescence are more associated with the restructuring of the hormonal background. Therefore, the child can become sharp, rude, nimble and changeable in mood. But this does not mean that the real difficult teenager is growing in the family. Such changes are considered the norm for this age, and they just need to survive.
During this period, sexual attraction appears, and more it manifests itself in girls. Therefore, parents of daughters should be alert. But there is no need to go too far, prohibiting communication with boys and controlling every step. Otherwise, the girl may begin to act in spite, which will lead to disastrous consequences.
Also, the teenager will begin to talk about his own desires and his opinion. This is partly right, because a growing person has the right to this and should strive for an independent life. If you stop all attempts to "separation" from the parents, then the child, even an adult, will remain infantile and dependent.
13-14 years old
From this moment, the psychological characteristics of young adolescents smoothly flow into the characteristic features of older teens. This is manifested in the fact that the child begins to actively defend his interests and rights. In this case, the parents sometimes get the impression that the teenager is doing everything in defiance and in spite. However, children at this age have no purpose to challenge everything. Moreover, they themselves are not sure of the need for their actions. Often a teenager just wants to stand out and show that he is different.
In order to avoid misunderstandings, during the conflict, parents should try to smooth out the critical points. Teenager does not want to specifically spoil the mood or anger. These are features of age, and this is important to understand.
Also, the psychological characteristics of development in adolescence are manifested in an increased need to communicate with peers. It is important for a teenager to be accepted by the group, because only with friends can you discuss sensitive issues that you won’t go to with adults.
During this period, parents need to focus all attention around the child’s emotional sphere. Adults should change their tactics of communication from conflict to constructive and make sure that the adolescent does not become isolated and communicate with peers.
15-16 years old
The psychological characteristics of older adolescents are very multifaceted. The teenager during this period is prone to exaggeration, so everything seems to him rainbow, simple and affordable. Many girls and boys begin to philosophize and think about something that had not yet worried.
Usually, older teens have first love, as well as their first frustrations and sexual relationships. However, not everyone in 15-16 years old is ready for sexual intercourse. Nevertheless, parents should understand that talking about sex with a child is very important so that he knows all the possible consequences. You can give the teenager the appropriate literature on love and sexual relations, if dad and mom can not talk to the child on these topics.
Parents should also pay attention to the professional self-determination of their son or daughter. At this age, children usually have a lot of aspirations, desires and faith, but they do not know who they want to work in the future. Therefore, career guidance activities are simply necessary. They are conducted by a psychologist at school, if it is provided for in the state. He can advise on the psychological characteristics of adolescence and youth, if necessary.
The following are general recommendations that parents can use in the case of adolescents of any age and gender.
Develop abilities and interests
It is important for a teenager to try various activities - sports, music, science, art. So he can understand what is more to his liking. Therefore, it is not scary if the child will go to several circles or change them often. Hobbies and hobbies reduce the risk of being in a bad company. Also, activities to your liking increase self-esteem and self-esteem and a sense of their worth. Such a teenager will always have friends of interest, and he is less susceptible to negative impact and does not depend on other people's opinions.
Personal space
Even a young person needs a personal space on which no one will encroach. This is especially true for teenagers, and adults will have to accept it. In adolescence, the psychological characteristics of the development of the child’s personality are most pronounced. Therefore, girls and boys need their own place, in which no one will interfere. In order not to spoil the relationship, parents should not shift things teenagers, read his personal diaries or SMS, eavesdrop on conversations and more. Ideally, you need to knock before entering a child’s room. This will be a simple indicator of the respect that children also deserve.
Providing the child personal space, do not forget about a joint pastime. You need to be interested in the hobbies and friends of the child in an unobtrusive way. Family activities (such as skiing or a weekend trip) are also helpful. You can periodically invite teenager friends to visit and treat them with something tasty. This will allow parents to get closer to their grown child.
Mutual respect and trust
When communicating with children, parents need to consider the socio-psychological characteristics of adolescence. With teens it is important to contact on equal terms, as with adults. At the same time, one must be able to remain an authority for the child (an example to follow). This can be achieved with sincerity, which adolescents greatly respect.
Parents need first of all to pay attention to their words, actions and not to be hypocritical. Good behavior from a teenager can only be achieved by personal example. For example, you don’t need to talk about the dangers of tobacco and alcohol and forbid them to use when you smoke, drink and don’t worry about your health. Children do not understand why they cannot do all this when parents can.
So that the child does not lie, there is no need to give him reasons to be afraid to tell the truth. If he lied, then his parents were to blame. The teenager was either afraid of the subsequent punishment, or did not want to upset him. It is important to convey to the teenager that even about unpleasant situations it is necessary to report that they love him, they only wish him good and want to help. It is easier for a child to trust when he knows that his parents will be on his side in any situation.
Opportunities for self-reliance
One of the psychological characteristics of the development of self-consciousness in adolescence is the desire for independence. Therefore, a teenager needs to be given more household chores than a younger child. He must understand that in addition to freedom, there are certain things that he must perform himself.
Of particular note are financial issues. It would be nice for a teenager to already know what expenses, incomes, how much it costs and how much money is given. You can entrust the teenager with grocery shopping and utility bills. From the age of 14, you can offer your child a different side job so that he has his own personal money. For example, you can be a promoter, a courier on foot or hand out flyers. Paying for home help or good grades at school is not considered part-time work. So the teenager does not understand that the money does not come for free. It is also important for the child to learn how to competently spend his salary. To do this, he does not need to offer any options. Let him know everything by trial and error.
Proper communication
Many parents do not take into account the important psychological feature of adolescence.Teenagers are not screaming, raising their voices or reading notations. These parenting methods are already ineffective. A scream is a manifestation of weakness. It is an indicator that a person is easy to manipulate, and children are well aware of this over time. In addition, teenagers quickly get used to notations and voice enhancement and begin to simply ignore them. These are the psychological characteristics of development in adolescence.
Communication should be constructive. Parents are better off trying other strategies when talking to a teenager:
- Calm tone and positive look.
- Listen more than talk.
- Always explain why this or that punishment is applied.
- Say essentially what specifically upsets or does not suit.
- If it is difficult to restrain emotions, then it is better to interrupt the conversation and go to another room. First you need to ask the child to think what he did wrong.
So, the physical and socio-psychological characteristics of adolescence cannot be ignored. They directly explain the true actions of the child. If we take them into account and treat the teenager with understanding, then communication in the family will become friendly, not conflicting.