Let's talk about your "tweenager" and the issues they face during those 10-15 year old adolescent years. This week we will focus on five of the nine intellectual traits that research has determined face your child during this unique and distinct life phase. Next week we'll continue with the intellectual traits and then progress on to a discussion about adolescent brain development.

Idealism - Has your child ever become upset because things weren't just perfect? Adolescents have a difficult time separating reality from their idealistic thinking. They see things as very "black and white" and have difficulty understanding nuances of gray.

Literal - Young adolescents are very literal when following directions. For example, you tell your child to take out the garbage and return later to find no new bag in the trash can and frustration sets in. However, did you specify "and put a new bag in the can?" I know it sounds funny, but they truly need step-by-step directions.

Seek Connections - Adolescents are always training to make connections with new information they are receiving. In order to move from short-term to long-term memory, the learning must be connected to prior knowledge. When helping your child study, try to assist them in understanding how this information relates to other knowledge they possess.

Academic Decline - Has your child experienced the "seventh grade slump?" This is the time when students tend to experience a decline in grades. The fact is most kids are just more worried about what their friends think than they are with how well they are doing in class. Most students return to their prior levels of performance once they hit high school (so hang in there!).

Remember, as always, we are here for you!

Reference
Brighton, K. (2007). Coming of age: The education & development of young adolescents. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association.