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Learn about the development of middle school-aged children and how it affects identity formation, peer relationships, and the need for independence. Nancy Moran, LCSW, will highlight and offer recommendations for managing social difficulties, and other stressors that influence early adolescence, including increasing demands for academic organization, how to promote academic independence, and the ill effects of bullying.
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Early Adolescent Stressors:
From Books to BullyingPresented by:Nancy Moran,
LCSWAugust 21, 2013
Major Question in Adolescence:Who Am I?
• Social relationships are key• Experimentation with different
roles -activities
-behaviors• Goal is to form a strong identity• Determine one’s sense of direction
Possible Outcomes?
• A strong sense of self• Feelings of competence
VS.• Insecurity• Confusion
Tremendous Growth
• Emotional
• Physical
• Mental Ability
Physical Changes
• Anxiety
» Vs.
• Pride
Social Relationships
• Group is paramount
• Seek sameness to affirm self
• Express criticism of self and others
What if it’s not working?
• May be due to social immaturity.• Provide structured opportunities
to socialize• Be creative and think of different
settings• Involve your child in the
brainstorming
The Cognitive Model
Situation
Thought
Body ResponseBehavio
r
Feeling
Check In• What am I imagining my child is feeling? How accurate is this?• Is this temporary or permanent?• What are other kids doing?• Can my child manage this?• Are my thoughts extreme or exaggerated?
Changing Moods
Cognitive Distortions are common thinking errors
-Fortune telling-Mind reading-All or nothing thinking
The Cognitive Model
Situation
Thought
Body ResponseBehavio
r
Feeling
Changes to the Frontal Lobe
• Responsible for the ability to reason
• Key in decision making
Internal Changes
• Burst of electrical and physiological development
• Number of brain cells doubles in one year
• Neural networks are radically reorganized
Cognitive and Intellectual Development
• Strong inward focus• Concentrates on self• Very concerned about others’
perceptions• Idea that others are scrutinizing
“Imaginary Audience”
What’s the evidence?
• Is there another possible explanation?
• Mind reading• Are you ignoring the positive?• If it is true, how can you manage
it?
Boys start later and take longer
• Can mean impulsivity- Concrete/ uncritical in
their thinking
• Difficulty with hypothetical thinking
What can I expect?
• Dramatic decline in time spent with family (50%)
- Girls spend time alone or with friends
- Boys spend time alone
Challenges of Middle School
• Multiple teachers (transitions)
• New peers
• Larger setting
Common Fears
• What if I get lost??
• What if my locker won’t open??
• What if all my friends are in the other pod??
Evaluate and Plan
• How likely is it?• Has this ever happened before?• Were others OK?• Problem solve• Will you be able to manage it?
Mistakes are part of the process!
• Put it in perspective
• Underscore the lesson
• Provide encouragement
• Express confidence
Then vs Now
Then• Manage backpack• Assist with homework• Check work and
provide feedback• Close contact with
teacher
Now• Provide organizational
tools• Encourage time
management• Discourage
distractions• Provide input when
asked or for big projects
• Limit Power School
Step away from the computer!!
Plan to check your child’s grades once per week.
Your Changing Parental Role
• Promote self-advocacy skills
• Instill a sense of confidence
• Allow opportunities for problem solving
In the Trenches
• Teacher relationships• Peer conflicts• Relationships with other parents• Academic struggles
Parents: How can I help?
• Provide proper encouragement • Reinforce exploration• Promote self-advocacy skills• Allow opportunities for problem
solving• Instill a sense of competence and
confidence
Skill Building
• Organization
• Time management
• Making new friends
Golden Rule:
Afford autonomy within the limits of safety.
