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The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
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First Call |
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The Howard Center for Human Services First Call for Children and Families |
To contact
First Call |
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THE FOURTEENTH PRINCIPLE KNOW YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS BY AGE Although effective parenting is always a challenge, most families avoid major developmental conflicts until their child enters the pre-teen years. It is at that point when child development needs (to be more independent and free from parental control) run right up against parental needs (to love, care for, guide and control). There is no absolute way to avoid emotional conflict during your child's adolescence. The best one can hope for is to understand the child's needs and to maintain a balanced approach in guiding and controlling. In many ways, even if we wish to deny it, by the time your child reaches adolescence, she/he has far more control over your own emotional health than you do. Some very current information about American adolescents may be helpful to you. The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health has just been completed. The study covered 90,000 teens and ran from 1994 to 1998. It is the largest study of its kind ever completed. The study included what American adolescents do relative to diet, nutrition, sexual behavior, family relationships, substance abuse and use of health services. In summary, the study noted three major characteristics that supported healthier development. These were: 1) Adolescents who enjoyed a close personal relationship with their parents were far less likely to engage in high risk behaviors (substance abuse, violence, early sexual behaviors). 2) Adolescents who worked less than 20 hours per week also showed reduction in high risk behaviors. 3) Adolescents who had no access to alcohol and drugs or guns in the home showed reduced high risk behaviors.
HELPFUL HINTS What does this mean? What parenting practices should you engage in? 1) At all costs, develop and maintain a close emotional relationship with your children. 2) Encourage and reward safe part-time work out of the home. 3) Do not give your child access to alcohol, drugs or weapons in your home.
HELPFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION Sleek, S. Diet, nutrition and sex. American Psychological Association Monitor (May, 1998)., p. 27; Journal of the American Medical Association, 278, p. 823-832. |
