Adolescent Development. @nate552 - Tumblr Blog

Tumblr Reflection

As this paper comes to a close, I begin the task of concluding this part of 275.208 paper. Looking back over this unique project it is clear that this project was knowable and highly enjoyable. It encouraged me to learn and develop my own research, while processing other posts.

At the beginning of the project, I felt out of my depth, with a lack of understanding and drive to follow posting and keep researching new information. However over time I grew to understand Tumblr, adding it to my iPhone as app, increasing my access to the site for easy entry. I found that following other students was captivating, reading their thoughts, emotions and passion for a variety of topics, gave me a unique look into other students opinions, which without Tumblr I would not of been exposed too.

I strived to create an Autism Tumblr however information lacked the precise research direction, resulting in lack of posting. Due to this I included relevant topic postings that enabled me to add greater depth to my Tumblr page.

Overall it has been an interesting journey, with a substantial amount of learning and direction of future topics gained. I thank everyone who has contributed to the success of this project and I wish you all the best for your future studies.

Express your views on education and whether schools should be segregated by gender. See what others have to say about co-ed education.

DEBATE

The debate surrounding the segregation of boys and girls in their schooling is an interesting and important debate currently gaining great momentum. In my personal opinion i feel the current structure that i went through, (Nelson College) was a significant reason in the individual i am today. I believe it enables boys to learn with their peers, without the drama of girls in classes to impress or talk to. However it must be noted that during my time at Nelson college i was enrolled in a subject that took place in at the local girls school. (Nelson College for Girls). This experience was interesting as i went through my intermediate education in a boys only school. Again my personal stance is in support of this method of schooling.

I urge the readers to follow the link to the debate, it gives both sides of the debate, allowing the reader to make up their own mind about the topic.

Includes: educational options for children with autism, nationally-recognized schools for asd children, finding autism programs in your area, and what makes a school the best for autism?.

Schools and autism students can be a daunting task, the environment required for students who depend on support for their learning is a difficult task to implement. The above article is related to the USA, this article identifies education establishments that meet the required standards of autistic students. It is important for autistic students to feel secure and supported in a learning environment. The core learning needs will be met, with the teaching of social interactions and progressive learning programs focusing on the core subjects of schools. Overall this article is brief however, it presents a small list of schools that highlight the need for future development of schools that incorporate autistic students.

Romantic Peer Relationships

Looking back at my past relationships, i am able to identify on many occasions the only reason i thought i would "date" was it seemed to be the cool thing to do. To say you had a girlfriend at intermediate was a big deal, allowing you to increase your popularity and friend group. It ensured my identity at an early age, of which my peers who didn't have a girl friend were labelled as weird or uncool. I have recently begun working at a local college, which again demonstrates the same need for boys to be cool and impress friends. It would be interesting to see if this trend changes also I wonder if girls act in a similar way?

maggiemay-7

I am fasinated with the way peoples opinions on the mans actions change through the life span. And personally i can’t decide whether Heinz should have broken into the drug store or not.

nate552

Heinz should of broken into the store, it is a human right to choose life,regardless of a law. For a human to disregard life for money is a disgraceful act, which highlights the need for that druggist to be made an example of. A life in my opinion outweighs any amount of income/wealth

1000drawings

Self Portrait by Grant Snider

nate552

This demonstrates the idea of being true to yourself, to present yourself in a positive light and be happy with who you are. During adolescence a key element of this is understanding who you are, with the ability to learn and develop.

The relationships adolescents have with their peers, family, and society play a vital role in social development. Read more about cultural and societal influences on adolescent development in the Boundless open textbook.

The importance of peer relationships can be regarded as a signifcant part of an individuals development. The enable the individual to develop social skills which leads to further development of relationships and the meeting of new people. The article posted above, explains the different cultural and social influences on adolescents and how these factors greatly influence their development and future.

Peer pressure is a concerning topic. During ones developmental period the need to be accepted by their peers can lead to unusual behaviour. The importance of educating adolescents about recognising peer pressure is extremely important for the safety of the individual.

In my personal development peer pressure was a common theme amongst my friends. The usual challenge to follow through with a task is a thought entrenched in my childhood. Those challenges started off small but grew into potential life changing choices. I believe i was fortunate enough to realise my actions, surrounding myself with stable individuals who are on the right path.

In summary, the idea of peer pressure will always be in our society. However it is clear that correct education of adolescents for them to realise the dangers will ensure the safety of developing adolescents in the future.

2roseslisa

As a teen, sadly peer pressure can be like a gun to the head. The influence from others can be so hard to escape…

nate552

This picture highlights the dangers of peer pressure, I have been subject to such pressures myself. The danger with this is the behaviour they are pushed into. The consequences can be life changing. This is a great post, sending a real message about the struggle of peer pressure and the danger that occurs from it

tigerjeannie

Teen.com

What do today’s teens think of “classic” teen comedy from the 80’s/90’s. This was such a popular show and it seems just about everybody can still sing the theme song. In this blog by teens, we have a short focus on some of the show’s morals, with today’s teens thoughts on them.

nate552

I remember watching this show growing up, of course it was still famous. The storyline was thrilling for me, it showcased the struggles that most teenagers face during the adolescents. It is interesting that still today people relate so well to this show.

UCLA CART "Autism 2012" Symposium Social Skills Training for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders: The UCLA PEERS Program - Elizabeth ...

Peers and Autism.

This video spans for 35minutes detailing the program designed by UCLA, focusing on tips/skills with adolescents that have been diagnosed with autism. The video explains problems they encounter, with the inability to understand social cues, social topics and engage in peer interaction. These problems display a great concern, with the negative effect resulting in shyness or inability to act in a social setting. This video is a great education video for both parents and growing adolescents, to understand developmental techniques to enable them sustained growth.

Learn tips for handling sleep disruption, food sensitivity, meltdowns and aggression with autistic children.

Family and autism...

A child with autism can be a difficult task, with a constantly changing set of behaviours and trigger words that can lead to significant outbursts that are hard to control. The role of parents can be seen as role to teach and control behaviour habits that can ultimately lead to dangers for other siblings and the child displaying the behaviour. Above is a quick article detailing how to deal with such outbursts. These techniques can be used in a family setting to help control behaviour and create a comfortable environment for all individuals to feel safe and secure.

Police are preparing for a spike in violence if the All Blacks lose next year's Rugby World Cup.

Rugby lovers would recall the shock and embarrassing exit of the 2007 world cup. The promise of the team was seen to good to be true. The talent, time and need for success seemed to be to great with France beating the All Blacks. An interesting article surfaced stating police take into account the aftermath of the All Blacks not winning. Domestic violence is a concern throughout New Zealand society, to it be linked to rugby is a daunting taste of reality. The damage those actions can have is life changing, destroying relationships and greatly impacting the child's development and upbringing. A child witnessing Violence has to be seen as a shocking occurrence of perennial behaviour, changing the child's view of their parents for ever. The need for correct education and management of previous or likely offenders is a serious topic that needs further attention to ensure the safety and suitable environment for children but to teacher future generations domestic violence is not tolerated in New Zealand society, under any circumstances

larasheridan-ad

Micheal Jackson once got told by a boy that he was racist because he was trying to cover his black skin. Micheal told the boy “You know what, I’m am so far from. I have a skin condition that causes the progression of my skin to change from black to white. Now you tell me, why aren’t you asking all...

nate552

I love Michael Jackson, this is his side, just a quick video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulQTZ7C4Tgw

This is a significant discussion about the problems Michael Jackson had to face, however the view must be made that our own child could suffer from the same condition. How do we help them? with support and care, to encourage them that people are not that shallow to judge an individual over the colour of their skin, but we did the same to Michael? This seems so wrong and brings to a point the idea of treat people how you want to be treated.

Family......................Divorce

During my childhood, the environment i grew up in was amazing, growing up in Nelson New Zealand was a experience i will never forget. However at the age of 7 my dad left my family. Creating a hole so deep it couldn't be filled. Growing up without a father is an interesting and trying time. I owe a lot to my older brother who became that male role model i looked up too, i believe i still do in someways. The family dynamics after a divorce is a crushing blow to any child, confusing questions unusual birthdays, Christmas spent between two houses have become a common theme for children in todays society. The question must be raised, what is the impact on the child? In my case i was fortunate to have an older brother to learn off and show me the ropes. Some aren't so lucky. I would be interested to hear your stories surrounding your childhood and family structure

Below is a quick article on the impact of divorce on children/adolescents

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/surviving-your-childs-adolescence/201112/the-impact-divorce-young-children-and-adolescents

peterpansneverland08

How horrible to know that our country is one of the highest ranked for adolescent mortality and suicide and that we struggle to pin point what it is that places us so high on the list.

teenageyears-thebestandworst

This is not good at all. I would be interested in seeing these stats for New Zealand in terms of ethnicity … could a growing pacific island population and also the growing rate of pacific island teenage suicide in New Zealand be contributing to this? … what can be done in terms of community resources targeting pacific island teens and providing a place of learning and support for them?

nate552

Great looking article, i support you claim towards the findings of ethnicity and growing pacific island population. Working at my local college i have begun to see the drastic change in the pacific island mindset of more individual isolation with their problems, their inability to feel accepted if they don't fit in, could these feelings link to the high suicide rate? I will have to research this topic further!

nzbrendan275208-deactivated2016

TOUGHLOVE NZ is a unique national organisation which focuses on parents of teenagers and provides on-going support for as long as required. It operates a nat…

www.toughlove.org.nz

The video and ‘on-line’ information indicate the reciprocal nature of the relationships between adolescents and parents/care givers. “Do you feel trapped, guilty, betrayed, helpless or frightened? Are you struggling to retain control of your life and your family? Are you troubled by the unacceptable adolescent behaviour of your teenager? TOUGHLOVE is a loving solution for families that are being torn apart by this unacceptable behaviour. Families are lost and lives ruined by the lack of intervention and a false sense that there are no other families with …”

There is no doubt the ‘Toughlove’ provides valuable support to parents who are often in very difficult circumstance.

However the storm and stress view of adolescence is also promoted.

"We offer strategies and options for change. We work with parents, not with the kids. It is the parents who need support to regain the confidence to cope.”

Much of the advice seems appropriate. However is the term Tough Love Oxymoronic and a Misnomer?

bob-bailey

Yeah, tough love seems like a bit of a contradiction, doesn’t it!

The term “tough love” comes from twelve step groups based on Alcoholics Anonymous and was developed as a no nonense way for families struggling with a problem to incrementally remove the support structures enabling the family member to continue their behaviour. Its tough to make them suffer, but the ultimate goal of forcing them to get their life back on track is loving. Hence the term “tough love”.

From the Alcohol Rehab web site:

Tough love can be defined as love or affection that is expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner. The usual motivation for acting in such away is to promote good behavior. For example, if a parent speaks in angry tones to their child they are likely doing so to encourage this young person to follow the rules. With tough love the individual is treating the other person harshly out of a desire to help that person – they are not acting that way out of malice or knee-jerk anger.

shirley-thorby-blog-deactivated

Tough love’s strategy, of so called helping a family, is that it “works with the parents, not with the kids”. According to Santrock (2014), in the social policy section, it argues that for positive adolescent development to occur, organisations need to work with both the parent(s), caregivers and the adolescents. Working with only the parents in an attempt to bring health into a family, seems unbalanced. It seems to me, that adolescents at risk, could end up feeling further isolated. It also seems like the Tough Love ethos is focused on a deficit view, rather than a strength based view - focusing on everything that the adolescent is doing wrong, therefore possibly perpetuating beliefs in the adolescent that that they are no good. Santrock (2014), points out that positive adolescent development requires parents to show them warmth and respect; recognize that they are interested in them; open minded to the changing cognitive and socio-emotional development of their adolescents, as well as communicate an expectation of high standards. Santrock also states, that along side parents, there needs to be community support, which also values and shows warmth and respect towards adolescents in the form of working with adolescents and their parents in a mutually supportive way. It seems to me that Tough Love doesn’t emulate these values of working with the whole family system. Parents need support to build their attachment with their adolescents, not tear it apart. Tough love strategies used on adolescents, at a time in their lives when they need to feel warmth and support from their parents, is in my opinion detrimental to their mental and emotional health. Collins, Maccoby, Steinberg, Hetherington & Bornstein (2000), also assert that children’s temperaments are all different, and therefore need parenting according to their unique temperaments. They argue that ignoring children with difficult behaviors and temperaments may lead to avoidant, ambivalent insecure attachment- which can become acerbated in adolescence.

References:

Collins, W.A., Maccoby, E.E., Steinberg, L., Hetherington, E.M., Bornstein, M.H. (2000). American Psychological Association. Vol 55 (2). 218-232.

Santrock, J.W. (2014) Adolescence (15th ed.). New York. McGraw-Hill Education.

nzbrendan275208-deactivated2016

I find this post informative and inspirational. As parent it highlights a positive approach and building the relationships in a family

"According to Santrock (2014), in the social policy section, it argues that for positive adolescent development to occur, organisations need to work with both the parent(s), caregivers and the adolescents."

The post by Rosebus890 about grandparents emphasises a different approach.

"I have a great relationship with grandparents on both sides of my family, and this was really beneficial in my adolescent years. I could call them anytime to discuss anything I had on my mind, and they gave me a lot of advice and help when I needed it, especially around university and career choice etc.Grandparents can help adolescents navigate through these uncertain years and may provide another form of social support. I think a positive relationship with grandparents can be very beneficial for adolescent development."

As parents the involvement of grandparents has been a way for them to impart Wisdom on the entire family, calm matters and add perspective to the views of all family members. For us, humor plays a crucial role in relationships and resolving conflict. Grandparents can foster empathy and if they are supported parents role model values and pro social behaviour. With our son’s when conflict and issues arise we involve the entire family so we can be consistent. Time for a “Whanau Hui.” Hopefully we all learn something and can positively resolve an issue so it does not reappear.

nate552

Wow... the above paragraphs are well structured and give individual views on the topic, i see tough love as a useful tool for developing young children, however careful consideration must be made when applying such a technique. The impact on the child of such a technique has to be carefully observed for impact in both a positive and negative light. I can recall times my own parents displayed this to term 'tough love' to me, as stated early i believe there is a correct time and place for the term tough love, just don't let it destroy the amazing bond between parent and child.

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