Very few parents, if any, will tell you that they instantly knew how to parent well the moment their first child was born. Good parenting takes time to learn, with and from others around you. Good parents recognise the changing needs of their child as she grows, and respond appropriately. But often the changes in teenagers are difficult to interpret, misunderstood, or overlooked.

This seminar will help parents understand the unique needs of teenagers in a way that will improve their relationship with and the growth of their child.

WHAT'S SO UNIQUE ABOUT TEENAGERS?

Recent research has uncovered deep secrets of adolescent development. The body of a teenager is changing as much as any other time in life. Most of these changes happen out of sight, but everyone can see that a teenager is changing. For most, this biological development will come to completion without a hitch by the end of adolescence. But healthy adolescent development involves much more than physical change. By the end of adolescence, a teenager should have made giant steps in physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. At the core of this development lies a fundamental desire to be loved, cared for, and known. Without an intentional understanding and application of these key assets, parents are at a disadvantage and risk hindering growth.

WHAT'S THE POINT OF ADOLESCENCE?

No matter your position on the beginnings of man, adolescence now serves a distinct role. Physiological development prepares for reproduction and initiates the drastic changes that take place in teenagers. In every culture, this period of time propels a person towards autonomy and lays the groundwork for social competency. The development of self-identity and self-efficacy determine the level at which each person will function within society. Spiritual awareness can be a defining factor in the acceptance of a moral code and search for purpose in life. And no single aspect can be isolated from any other. Adolescence is a process of holistic growth like no other time in life. In the seminar we will explore multiple aspects of adolescent development to gain a complete view of teenagers.