DISUSSION

Sara Karsten

6 hours ago, at 8:29 AM

 

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Berk (2017) states that puberty is a flood of biological events leading to an adult-sized body and sexual maturity. As a parent, it is my duty to explain what occurs during puberty and how it will effect their lives. I have a boy and a girl and will have to describe to each the changes they will go through.

1. Physical changes: Some aspects that I feel are important to discuss about physical changes include, how they will get taller, gain or lose body fat/muscle, the menstrual cycle, growing breast tissue, acne and other skin changes, and body hair growth.

2. Psychosocial changes: It is during this time when adolescents develop autonomy and establish their identity and orientation. I feel it is important to explain to children that it is okay to want to fit in by dressing and acting the same as their peers and it is okay to not copy everything their friends do. I feel it is also important that children understand it is okay to want to gain independence from their parents by getting a part-time job, go places without parents present and being allowed to stay home alone.

3. Cognitive changes: During the puberty stage, the child may be influenced by their peers to partake in situations and activities that may have a negative impact on their life, such as drinking or smoking. It is important to explain to children that their critical thinking and reasoning skills are still developing during puberty and they will begin to understand that their actions can have serious consequences. While I will not condone underage drinking or doing drugs, I want to be the type of parent their child can trust to come help them when they do find themselves in bad situations.

References:

Berk, L. E. (2017). Exploring Lifespan Development (4th Edition). Pearson Education (US).  https://ambassadored.vitalsource.com/books/9780134420752

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