ECE 497: Child Development Capstone

Amanda Monteiro

ADOLESCENCE
Development
Physical

Language

Cognitive

SocialEmotional
Moral
Reasoning

Adolescence marks the beginning

of puberty in both boys and girls.
Boys grow facial hair and voice
deepens. Girls breasts begin to
grow and menstruation begins
(CDC,2016).
Discussion of body image,
clothes, and approval of others
are top subjects. Shows more
interest and pressure of peers
(CDC,2016).
There is more of ability for complex
thought process. Adolescents have
strong sense of right and wrong
(CDC, 2016).
Adolescent teens experience more
moodiness (hormones). Stress
increases with the challenge of
homework (CDC, 2016).
By this stage the ability to express
feelings through conversation is
mastered. At the same time,
adolescents can be rude and shorttempered towards caregivers (CDC,
2016).

Social Factor

Cultural Factor

Adolescent suicide is the third-leading

cause of death for American children.
The number of boys killing themselves
exceeds girls, 4:1. Suicide prevention is
an important topic shared at school
and at home (Berk, 2016).

When an adolescents cultural

heritage is respected by their
community, they are more likely to
have ethnic values and customs in
their identity (Berk, 2013).

Atypical Development and Family Strategies

One sign that may signal atypical development during
adolescence is the presence of drugs and alcohol in the teens life.
Substances such as these can directly impact adolescents development
and learning. Teens engaged in these activities can seriously damage
their lives and their future for not only their selves, but also other parties
involved. Another behavior that can rigidly effect a teens life is when he
or she develops eating issues. Disorders such as anorexia or bulimia are
common during this period, so it is important to be aware of any drastic
changes in a teens life that may lead to these problems (CDC, 2016).
One strategy that families can use to influence their childrens
learning and development during adolescence is to have meaningful
family time together. The CDC (2016) explains, Meal time is very
important for families. Eating together helps teens make better choices
about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives your family
members time to talk with each other. An additional family activity is to
plan a family game night once a week to keep a stronger bond between
the parents, siblings, and the adolescent.

Resources:
Berk, L. E. (2013). Child development. Boston: Pearson Education.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016, March 15). Young T
eens (12-14 years of age). Retrieved from:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/adoles
cence.html