No matter what your level of experience is with young people, it helps to understand a little more about typical changes that happen to them as they approach and go through different stages. This helps you identify normal behaviors and better equips you to react to them.
Below is a summary of typical developmental experiences of young people at different ages, as well as some tips for helping them thrive during these critical developmental changes.
APPEARANCES AND SELF-IMAGE
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By the time young people are between the ages of 10 and 12, they are well into puberty. As they age, they may worry about personal traits that are vital to them, but are hardly noticeable to others.
Young people also go through emotional changes that impact their self-image. By the time they are between the ages of 13 and 16, they will likely experience emotional extremes, from being happy to feeling sad or from thinking they are smart to believing they are dumb. They may want both to fit in with the crowd while at the same time stand out and be special. It is normal to see these kinds of emotional extremes continue well into their teen years as they take on more independence and make more decisions for themselves.
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Tips for interacting with youth:
· Be sensitive to how she feels about her body or other issues.
· Acknowledge feelings, positive traits and abilities, and help him recognize his own genuine worth.
· Make sure your mentee knows how important she is to you. Don’t assume she knows.
· Bolster his self-confidence by emphasizing independent choice, encouraging self-respect, and recognizing positive behavior.
· Find out what the youth loves learning about or what she’s interested in studying.
Reprinted with permission from Search Institute®. From Mentoring for Meaningful Results: Asset-Building Tips, Tools, and Activities for Youth and Adults. Copyright © 2008 Search Institute, Minneapolis, MN; 800-888-7828; www.search-institute.org. All rights reserved.
Want to help a youth in need? Become a mentor with Kids 'n Kinship to support a teenager or younger child and have fun with them once a week! Our next information session is Tuesday February 4 at the Wescott Library in Eagan (1340 Wescott Rd). For more information or to RSVP, call 952-892-6368 or check out our website www.kidsnkinship.org.
