blog 10 - Adolescence 4/14/09

The lecture on parenting adolescents was a good reminder of what it was to be like that age. It’s hard to remember because it was so long ago but as we discussed adolescence in class I was reminded of how I acted the same way. Even though we didn’t have texting, I remember getting in fights with my parents for talking on the phone with my friends for too long and writing long notes to each other in class. Also, I remember how crucial it was at that age to have a group to belong to. People would do anything to belong to a group even if it meant compromising their morals (for instance, picking on or ignoring another student if the others in the group were doing the same). This is one thing I think teachers should be very aware of and should actively try to prevent. I’ve seen many kids hurt through adolescent exclusion. Finally, I also identified with the idea that adolescents waffle back and forth on what they want to do. I remember thinking I was going to be an archeologist, then a psychologist, and for a time even a pop star. =) Adolescence is definitely an interesting time.