Welcome to Bel Air Middle School Adolescent development

Welcome to Bel Air Middle School! Adolescent development: How will your child change while at BAMS?

Middle School Years F Growth and change F Life-shaping decisions F Self-concept F Each child is different

Changes during Adolescence F Physical F Intellectual F Emotional F Social

Physical Changes of Adolescence Puberty Different times/rates Comparisons Stress and anxiety

Preparing for Physical Changes Normalize Discuss change Avoid comparisons Positive role models Regular check-ups

Intellectual Changes of Adolescence LProcessing LOrganization and responsibility LApplication of skills LAttention span

How to help with Intellectual Changes LInvolvement LCheck for understanding LConnections LPositive relationships with teachers

Emotional Changes of Adolescence ® Mood and emotion changes ® Wider range of emotions ® Strong emotional reactions ® Understand emotions cause reactions

Coping with Emotional Changes ® Normalize ® Encourage rationality ® Normal versus abnormal

Social Changes of Adolescence “Fitting In” Friends may shift Emotions towards others Independence Status

Myths of Adolescence • The first myth is that they are "on stage" with the attention of others constantly centered upon their appearance or actions. This preoccupation stems from the fact that adolescents spend so much time thinking about and looking at themselves, it is only natural to assume that everyone else is also thinking and looking at them as well. In reality, this doesn't occur because "everyone else" (usually peers) is too preoccupied with their own issues.

Myths Cont. • Another myth of adolescence is that of the indestructible self. This belief feeds into ideation of "it will never happen to me, only the other person".

Adapting to Social Changes Know your child’s friends Clear expectations Involvement in decision making Open-minded attitude

General Ideas: C Clear rules and expectations C Ask questions C Keep the door open C Encourage open-mindedness C Encourage positive role models

Questions?

Thank You J Thank you for joining us this evening. We hope that you and your child enjoy your time at Bel Air Middle School!