Question

Pretend that you are a psychologist who is meeting with a client concerned about her 14-year-old. Your client tells you that she is not sure what to expect, now that her child is becoming a teenager. She asks you, "What is going to happen to my child biologically, psychologically, and socially over the next few years?" She also wants to know how she can build a strong relationship with her teenage child and better cope during these many developments.

Answer 1

As a psychologist I will explain to the client about the changes that will take place in this age to the child. Let us discuss one by one

Biological- In the case of biological dimension many hormonal changes will occur in the child .For example change in height, Body mass development and most important sexual characteristic development will take place . Endocrine changes will take place in this time period. This includes gonadarche and adrenarche changes. Hormonal changes in oxytocin and vasopressin levels will also take place which will affect the interaction of individuals with others . Physical changes will also include pubic and face hair growth in children. Biological changes also involve strong emotional reactions based on levels of hormones in the body .

Psychological and social changes -At this stage neurodevelopment takes place which are both emotional and psychosocial in nature .The child develops increased cognitive and intellectual abilities and starts using logical , moral and reasoning skills oftenly . Children will be able to think more abstractly and will start using rational decision making. Children will start taking account of other people's perspectives and will try to solve social problems which they see in everyday life .Child will develop a sense of self and will focus more on their developing sexual identity . This is influenced by society especially by their friends and peer groups .Child will want more independence and responsibility at this stage .They will show dissense and demand autonomy to go beyond parental control. Here also the social environment influences the level of autonomy a child wants. Children will be more vulnerable because he or she will start going out of the family boundaries . Social factors affect the behavior and attitude of the child. Nowadays social media or we can say digital media has become a vital force in developing children's personality .

How to build a strong relationship

• Listen to your child and his or her needs .Understand it from different perspectives .
• Give the child necessary autonomy and freedom
• Talk about the sucal changes and seuxal orientaitons .Sex education is very important in this age to build astrong friendly relatuonship /
• Ensure a proper communication channel
• Taking interest in Child's friends , activities and interests
• Providing privacy
• Establishment of a set of rules which are clear and fair
• Supporting the child in initiatives and decisions
• Helping the child in effective decision making by providing alternatives
• Providing a safe space for the child to express his or her emotions