Moodiness, Cognitive And Social Changes In Adolescence

Mrs. Smith, I completely understand your concerns, as a mother I too experience these concerns with my adolescent sons as well. I can certainly help you understand what A is going through, why you’re seeing these changes and the norms of these changes. As your daughter moves further into adolescence there will be changes that will raise major concerns but hopefully by the end of our conversation you can discern and know what to expect in the next few years as she moves into the later part of adolescence.
First and for most this is unfortunately all normal, the moodiness, social comparison, argumentativeness, and distant from family and parents. Right now she is having a lot of biologically, cognitively and social changes that are occurring …show more content…
Adolescents tend to go through egocentrism which is where they believe that others are as interested in them as they are interested in themselves. Adolescents will feel that any flaw is seen by the whole world. For example if your daughter gets a zit she may feel that everyone at school was staring at it, when in reality you can’t even see it unless if you’re looking for it. Adolescents will go through a period where they feel a sense of personal uniqueness makes them feel that no one can understand what they are going through or how they feel. Which I am sure your daughter has told you many times, “you just don’t understand” or “you don’t remember what it’s like to be young”. This is normal. Your daughter will engage in social comparison in order to fit in and feel that the focus is not completely on her. Adolescent tend to seek approval on what to wear and how to act from their friends. Friends can provide companionship, encouragement, and reassurance. Friends can become a very important role in your daughter’s social needs. I know this sounds scary because as sayings go, “tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are,” can put fear into parent’s hearts. You can have an impact on who your daughter chooses as friend without her feeling as if you’re putting your two cents. Provide guidance, monitoring, and management for you daughter. Studies have found that if parents are involved in their child’s lives, monitor their friends, and help manage their time they are more likely to focus in school and decrease likelihood of delinquent