1. Bridging the Gap Between Parents and Teens . . . Yes, it is Possible! Presenter:Colleen Duffy Young Graduate Student Seton Hall University

2. Early Adolescence (12-18)

Beginning with puberty

Ego Identity

Role Confusion

3. Blame it on the Brain

Parent: What were you thinking??

Teen:I dont know . . .

(. . . and guess what, they really dont know . . . )

4. Formal Operational Thought

This is new territory for your teen

Cognitive ability increases

Logic and planning begins to develop

Realization that life is not fair

5. Early Adolescent Egocentrism

Personal Fable

. . . No one has ever felt this way before . . . no one understands me.

Imaginary Audience

. . . I hate when everybody looks at me when I walk through the halls in school . . .

6. Instilling Confidence

Start small

Admit and face your own fears

Teach your teen safety

Equip your teen with adaptation skills

Be adventurous

7. Get to Know Your Teen

They are not little children anymore

Stress and teens

Breathe deeply before responding during an emotional discussion

Remember what it was like when you were a teen

8. Please Dont Embarrass Me!

Kisses and hugs

LOL yo dawg!

Shopping

Dont wear their clothes

Follow-up for details on phone calls

Conspicuous behavior

Be a chaperone

Photo op

remember when you were 5 and . . .

9. Conclusion

When youleastwant to give your teen a hug, is probably the time that he or she needs one themost !

10. References

Boeree, C.G. (1997). Erik Erikson (1902-1994). Retrieved March 27, 2010, from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/erikson.html

Miller, J.M. (2010, Feb.). Dispel all doubts.Raising teens: Guiding NJ parents through those challenging years . Vol. 5 (p. 32).

Newman, B.M., & Newman, P.R. (2009).Development through life: A psychosocial approach(10 th ed.). Belmont, CA:Wadsworth Cengage Learning.