Cognitive Development
Egocentrism
Typically egocentrism is a concept more seen in early childhood. However, theorists have concluded that this resurfaces in adolescence. Adolescent egocentrism is expressed through what he has called the imaginary audience and the personal fable. Imaginary audience in terms of young teens believe that they are their peers center of attention in the same concept that they are their own. A stereotype of this is a girl or boy not wanting to go to school because their hair looks bad or they have acne. A personal fable is the belief held by teenagers that their experiences are different from everyone else. For example, a child saying "my mother can never understand what i am going through." They have this idea that they are unique.
Activity for Parents:
We encourage parents to promote their children to talk to them about what they are experiencing. It is important for children to express their emotions in order to understand that they are not that different from others. This is beneficial for young teens to learn that their peers have the same social pressure as they do. Parents can benefit greatly by telling their children how they handled school and their peers during their time.
Creativity
During this stage of development, creativity is encouraged in school. This is where adolescents learn what they are skilled at and this allows for creative thinking in young teenagers. Although, certain amount of intelligence is necessary to be creative, high intelligence is not sufficent by itself. There are many children who do not have high achievement in classes but who are very creative. It is a form of expression for many young teenagers.
Activity for Parents:
In order to promote creativity within teenagers, parents are asked to express their own creative skills. We encourage this so parents can also explain to adolescents that it is important to express creativity and experience new things. Also, for adolescents to think about concepts in diverse ways.
The Role of Peers
Peers are a major impact in a teenagers social life. If they go to a public or private school they spend majority of their week with their peers. Peers majorly influence academic achievement in young adolescents. During this stage of development, teenagers seem to think that a social life is more important than academia. Cliques begin to form in high school and children begin to label one another. There are many different effects that can derive from this concept of labeling within students. It could psychologically impact them, whether they are labeled a "nerd" or a "jock". There are certain stigmas and pressures that teenagers feel obligated to participate in. It is very important for teenagers to be aware of peer pressure and how to talk to their parents or teachers about it.
Activity for Parents:
Teens motivation for academic acheivement is affected by both family and friends. In order for a child to regulate having a social life and high achievement is to learn how to balance the two. Parents can promote for children to do well in school and be able to spend time with their friends. If they are not doing well in school, due to socializing too much, they could be punished and withheld the opportunity to spend time with their friends outside of school. Rewards and punishments of this nature teach the teenager to be able to maintain their responsibilty to their school work.