1. Think about your teen’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and how they are reflected in his or her school grades and activities from 14-16 years of age. What careers or courses of study might be best suited to your teen’s abilities and interests? Angel has been developing some new interests lately. She has been spending time with the "Habitat for Humanity" club after school and on weekends, and has been reading about the American Civil Rights Movement and Apartheid. We have encouraged Angel to enroll into different classes in order for her to figure out a career path. I really believe Angel will do well in Foreign Language, and a history major.
2. How important have your teen’s relationships with peers been to his/her social development, emotional well-being and school achievement from 14-16 years of age? Angel is in Honors English and History and is one of the strongest students. She loves to read. She has written some good pieces for the school literary magazine and is involved in the school newspaper. We enjoy talking about books with her and reading her stories. Angel’s relationship with peers is very good, although at Angel allows peer presser to get the best of her, in a negative way. Angel’s report card was pretty good, she received three A’s one B and two C’s. Angel is trying very hard at being a good well rounded teenager; I feel her emotional well-being isn't in question what so ever.
3. How has your teen adjusted at 14-16 years of age to typical adolescent issues such as risk-taking, drugs, alcohol, and sexual interests, and how have you responded to your teen? Well Angel has been dating someone for 2 months now. My husband and I are very worried. Angel says that she's in love, and I’m nervous that Angel may be having sex. My husband I talked with Angel and tried to convince her that she should wait until they are more mature, and sure of the relationship to engage in sex. However, just in case, we talked to Angel about safe sex, condoms, and birth control. Angel has come home from parties smelling like marijuana and alcohol. When I ask her about trying drugs Angel said, “No mom I would never do drugs!” My husband and I just go over our home rules again and enforce our beliefs on drugs. Angel has been taking some risks for instance; Angel is becoming more and more independent. In one of Angel's attempts to assert her independence, she spent the day with her boyfriend without telling me where they were going. It turned out they were doing community service work (and I have proof of that!), but I still took away some privileges on principle.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
14 years
1. What activities and experiences at age 12 and 14 years has your teen been involved in that might promote healthy behavioral practices, physical fitness and skill in sports? Angel tried out for the high school softball team and made it! She seems to be very serious about developing little nuances of the game. We are happy she is having such a good time with the sport and enjoy going to the games. Angel has also been playing tennis with her aunt, and enjoying clubs at school with friends.
Angel is also looking forward to taking several art/design classes and is pleased that there are so many to choose from.
2. Have there been any changes in your teen’s behavior toward you or your partner? Why are these occurring and how are you responding? Angel occasionally gets upset and becomes cranky or gives us the silent treatment when we have discussions about issues such as bedtime, chores, curfew, clothing choices, music choices, etc., but otherwise we get along pretty well. I know we aren't going to get anywhere by continuing the discussion, so I drop it and let her calm down for a while before speaking to her again. My husband and I have a very open relationship with our daughter. For instance, while Angel was on the school bus, Angel mentioned that she had a long conversation with another student about all kinds of issues on which they disagreed, such as religion and politics. Angel listened to the other person's point of view, but when she came home, she wanted to tell use all about her own viewpoints.
3. Do you see any examples of how cognitive and physical changes in early adolescence (ages 12-14) relate to your teens social or emotional behavior? Some of the experiences of high school are stressful for Angel, such as hurtful things said by a friend, or lost homework. She usually shrugs these off and stays in a good mood. I noticed that Angel has the beginnings of some good coping mechanisms such as calming down by going for a walk or venting by text messaging a friend. Angel and some her friends went camping with a close friend's parents. Angel had a great time, and learned to use a compass to navigate in the woods. Angel has also started to completely understand different types of personalities. Angel likes to joke about her dads and my personality, “saying she got trouble making from us.” Angel is doing great! She is a very well balanced child and understands a lot about people and life. Angel is able to make decisions on her own and good ones at that. After the move from her smaller middle school to the much larger public high school, Angel seemed energized by all the possibilities of the high school, and has had a busy social calendar, including hanging out with some new friends, and getting involved in a couple of social activist clubs. Sometimes one of her friends comes over to your place and they have a great time joking around. They usually end up laughing uncontrollably about something.
Angel is also looking forward to taking several art/design classes and is pleased that there are so many to choose from.
2. Have there been any changes in your teen’s behavior toward you or your partner? Why are these occurring and how are you responding? Angel occasionally gets upset and becomes cranky or gives us the silent treatment when we have discussions about issues such as bedtime, chores, curfew, clothing choices, music choices, etc., but otherwise we get along pretty well. I know we aren't going to get anywhere by continuing the discussion, so I drop it and let her calm down for a while before speaking to her again. My husband and I have a very open relationship with our daughter. For instance, while Angel was on the school bus, Angel mentioned that she had a long conversation with another student about all kinds of issues on which they disagreed, such as religion and politics. Angel listened to the other person's point of view, but when she came home, she wanted to tell use all about her own viewpoints.
3. Do you see any examples of how cognitive and physical changes in early adolescence (ages 12-14) relate to your teens social or emotional behavior? Some of the experiences of high school are stressful for Angel, such as hurtful things said by a friend, or lost homework. She usually shrugs these off and stays in a good mood. I noticed that Angel has the beginnings of some good coping mechanisms such as calming down by going for a walk or venting by text messaging a friend. Angel and some her friends went camping with a close friend's parents. Angel had a great time, and learned to use a compass to navigate in the woods. Angel has also started to completely understand different types of personalities. Angel likes to joke about her dads and my personality, “saying she got trouble making from us.” Angel is doing great! She is a very well balanced child and understands a lot about people and life. Angel is able to make decisions on her own and good ones at that. After the move from her smaller middle school to the much larger public high school, Angel seemed energized by all the possibilities of the high school, and has had a busy social calendar, including hanging out with some new friends, and getting involved in a couple of social activist clubs. Sometimes one of her friends comes over to your place and they have a great time joking around. They usually end up laughing uncontrollably about something.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
12 years old
1. Describe any physical or behavioral signs of incipient puberty.
Angel talks quite often about what is "fair" and "not fair", and I realized she is developing some moral principles. Her concerns are focused on very specific things people she knows say and do, rather than incidents in the news or aspects of society. Angel is also looking at herself more in the mirror, she has even made a few comments about her weight.Angel has started to like boys as well.
2. How would you characterize your child at this point in terms of the under-controlled, over-controlled or resilient categories? Have there been any changes since the preschool period and why might they have occurred? I would defiantly categories Angel as resilient, she is way to easy going. I feel Angel is still the same when it comes to doing what she is told. The only thing we do different now is, I will compromise on more chores for more money. If Angel wants to go shopping at the mall then she needs to work for her money, Angel respects my rules and doesn't complain.
3. Using the 7th grade report card and your own observations, summarize your child’s academic skills at this point. What specific activities might promote some of these skills? Angel consistently contributes to cooperative group activities and respects the rights and possessions of others, and shows age-appropriate social interaction with peers.Her word reading, spelling and writing skills are strong.
She got A's in 7th grade English, Social Studies, and Spanish.
She got C's in 7th grade Math and Science. The teacher thought that she could do better with some tutoring and more studying.
She listens attentively, follows directions, and follows school rules.She needs to improve time management, and needs to be more consistent about working independently in the classroom and on homework. She has fairly frequent problems completing assignments and turning them in on time. Angel however has great academic skills, especially in drama class, and anything that involves Angel to be social. Angel loves art class and is looking to sign up in high school.
Angel talks quite often about what is "fair" and "not fair", and I realized she is developing some moral principles. Her concerns are focused on very specific things people she knows say and do, rather than incidents in the news or aspects of society. Angel is also looking at herself more in the mirror, she has even made a few comments about her weight.Angel has started to like boys as well.
2. How would you characterize your child at this point in terms of the under-controlled, over-controlled or resilient categories? Have there been any changes since the preschool period and why might they have occurred? I would defiantly categories Angel as resilient, she is way to easy going. I feel Angel is still the same when it comes to doing what she is told. The only thing we do different now is, I will compromise on more chores for more money. If Angel wants to go shopping at the mall then she needs to work for her money, Angel respects my rules and doesn't complain.
3. Using the 7th grade report card and your own observations, summarize your child’s academic skills at this point. What specific activities might promote some of these skills? Angel consistently contributes to cooperative group activities and respects the rights and possessions of others, and shows age-appropriate social interaction with peers.Her word reading, spelling and writing skills are strong.
She got A's in 7th grade English, Social Studies, and Spanish.
She got C's in 7th grade Math and Science. The teacher thought that she could do better with some tutoring and more studying.
She listens attentively, follows directions, and follows school rules.She needs to improve time management, and needs to be more consistent about working independently in the classroom and on homework. She has fairly frequent problems completing assignments and turning them in on time. Angel however has great academic skills, especially in drama class, and anything that involves Angel to be social. Angel loves art class and is looking to sign up in high school.
Monday, October 27, 2008
10 years old
1. Describe changes in your child’s academic skills between ages 6 and 10 and assess how well these skills are developing. The 5th grade report card will be useful for this but you should also incorporate your own observations. What are you doing to help your child? Angel works cooperatively in groups, usually respects rights and property of others, and usually demonstrates appropriate peer social interaction. Angel also "demonstrates strength" in all areas of reading, and in spelling and "appropriate for grade level" in writing.Angel has improved in math, and word problems as well.When Angel gets stuck on a problem I let her work it out with my help, but I make sure she comes to her own conclusion.
2. How well is your child adapting to social situations in the home and outside the home? Does your child have any behavior or emotional problems at this point? Why do you think these problems are occurring and what are you doing about them?
Angel had a serious fight with her best friend at the beginning of fifth grade and has not made up. She has also been moody lately. Angel is hanging out with a different group of friends at school, and there is some taunting going on between the two sides in the quarrel. Angel's teacher has commented that her classroom behavior has been problematic as well. I believe these problems are arriving due to Angels hormonal changes.
3. Has your parenting changed since the preschool period and if so, why do you think it has changed and what effect might this have on your child? Refer to your textbook or lecture notes for evidence on typical changes in parenting that occur in middle childhood. I don't feel my parenting has changed much. The only thing I've noticed is I'm strict then before, I won't even let Angel ride her bike to the school, I feel she is too young.
2. How well is your child adapting to social situations in the home and outside the home? Does your child have any behavior or emotional problems at this point? Why do you think these problems are occurring and what are you doing about them?
Angel had a serious fight with her best friend at the beginning of fifth grade and has not made up. She has also been moody lately. Angel is hanging out with a different group of friends at school, and there is some taunting going on between the two sides in the quarrel. Angel's teacher has commented that her classroom behavior has been problematic as well. I believe these problems are arriving due to Angels hormonal changes.
3. Has your parenting changed since the preschool period and if so, why do you think it has changed and what effect might this have on your child? Refer to your textbook or lecture notes for evidence on typical changes in parenting that occur in middle childhood. I don't feel my parenting has changed much. The only thing I've noticed is I'm strict then before, I won't even let Angel ride her bike to the school, I feel she is too young.
Monday, October 20, 2008
8 years and 11 months
1. How smart is your child, and in what areas? Think back to the blurb on multiple intelligences that appeared at age 6. Find specific evidence regarding your child's verbal, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical and bodily-kinesthetic intelligence from your observations of your own child as well as the psychologist's report at age 8 years, 11 months. Angel is very intelligent in almost all areas. Angels vocabulary, and comprehension of material is above average. Angels logical- mathematical problem solving have not approved much since she was 6, but we are working on her math skills with books and a positive,"you can do it attitude." To me Angel is a well rounded child who loves to try new things. In my observation Angels musical and bodily- kinesthetic intelligence are fantastic, Angel has great control over her self and enjoys doing things like dancing with friends in font of the school.Angel is a great story teller, in fact she has already written a book, in which she loves to read to everyone. According to the examiner Angel's scores on tests of visual-spatial ability (spatial rotation, copying of designs, etc.) were slightly below average. this gives us something to work on with Angel!
2. Describe some examples of your child's behavior or thinking that you think are due to typical American gender role socialization and explain why you think so. Several examples can be found at ages 6 and 8. How closely does your attitude toward gender roles correspond to typical American attitudes, and if there is a discrepancy, to what do you attribute this (e.g., cultural background, attitudes of your own parents, etc.)? Well Angel loves to play sports, she plays soccer and baseball with all the boys on our street. Most all of Angels friends are tomboy, who play sports as well.We raised Angel to believe boys and girls can do the same things, most the time. Angel knows boys don't wear skirts and makeup, she may have thought that when she was six, but now she understands the difference between both male and female. We encourage Angel to believe if she wants to be a cop,firefighter, or president she can.I feel women are strong and have the ability, and choice to be who they want. That's the way I was raised by my mom, a single parent who is just as strong as any man.
3. How might your child's development have been different if s/he was raised by people with a different socioeconomic, ethnic or cultural background? Base your answer on specific evidence of SES/cultural differences from the textbook and class lectures.I feel Angels development would have been way different. For one reason I raise Angel with a belief in God. My husband and I use rules that Angel has to follow.For example of a different cultural background lets look at the kids of Korean-American parents. They believe in more unoccupied play time for their kids as a base for learning.As opposed to Caucasian-Americans who believe in joint make-believe play. Angel wouldn't have the social knowledge and excellent story telling ability if she was enabled from using her imagination.
2. Describe some examples of your child's behavior or thinking that you think are due to typical American gender role socialization and explain why you think so. Several examples can be found at ages 6 and 8. How closely does your attitude toward gender roles correspond to typical American attitudes, and if there is a discrepancy, to what do you attribute this (e.g., cultural background, attitudes of your own parents, etc.)? Well Angel loves to play sports, she plays soccer and baseball with all the boys on our street. Most all of Angels friends are tomboy, who play sports as well.We raised Angel to believe boys and girls can do the same things, most the time. Angel knows boys don't wear skirts and makeup, she may have thought that when she was six, but now she understands the difference between both male and female. We encourage Angel to believe if she wants to be a cop,firefighter, or president she can.I feel women are strong and have the ability, and choice to be who they want. That's the way I was raised by my mom, a single parent who is just as strong as any man.
3. How might your child's development have been different if s/he was raised by people with a different socioeconomic, ethnic or cultural background? Base your answer on specific evidence of SES/cultural differences from the textbook and class lectures.I feel Angels development would have been way different. For one reason I raise Angel with a belief in God. My husband and I use rules that Angel has to follow.For example of a different cultural background lets look at the kids of Korean-American parents. They believe in more unoccupied play time for their kids as a base for learning.As opposed to Caucasian-Americans who believe in joint make-believe play. Angel wouldn't have the social knowledge and excellent story telling ability if she was enabled from using her imagination.
Monday, October 13, 2008
6 years and 11 mon
1. How well is your child adapting to social situations in the home and outside the home? Does your child have any behavior or emotional problems at this point? Why do you think these problems are occurring and what are you doing about them? Angel usually works cooperatively in groups, usually respects rights and property of others, and usually demonstrates appropriate peer social interaction.Angel has been having a little problems at home, due to my spouse and I arguing. We are really trying to work on not arguing in front of the girls.
2. Do you notice any improvements in cognitive and language skills since age 4? Give specific examples. Does your child have any special needs with regard to cognitive or language development at this point and what do you plan to do? Since age four Angel has been adding very large and hard words in her conversations. Angel is getting better at puzzle, and problem solving as well. When Angel was four she would get very frustrated when problem solving ,but now she attacks problems head on.
3. Which aspects of your child’s behavior and personality reflect continuities from earlier behavior (e.g., at ages 3-4 years) and which seem to be novel for this age level? Angel still likes meeting and trying new things. She still gets upset and frustrated when she doesn't understand assignments. Angels behavior has improved in restaurants greatly, as well as her conversational skills.
2. Do you notice any improvements in cognitive and language skills since age 4? Give specific examples. Does your child have any special needs with regard to cognitive or language development at this point and what do you plan to do? Since age four Angel has been adding very large and hard words in her conversations. Angel is getting better at puzzle, and problem solving as well. When Angel was four she would get very frustrated when problem solving ,but now she attacks problems head on.
3. Which aspects of your child’s behavior and personality reflect continuities from earlier behavior (e.g., at ages 3-4 years) and which seem to be novel for this age level? Angel still likes meeting and trying new things. She still gets upset and frustrated when she doesn't understand assignments. Angels behavior has improved in restaurants greatly, as well as her conversational skills.
Monday, October 6, 2008
4 years 10 mon
1. How would you characterize your parenting style? How have your specific parenting techniques changed since infancy? In what ways do you think your parenting style, or any other aspect of your parenting, has been influenced by your cultural background or other experiences? I think my parenting style is slight strict.I don't like talking back,and acting out in public. I really don't like bribing kids to act right around other people.Kids need rules in order to grow properly and be well rounded. I think when Angel was younger she was able to get away with more like crying for attention, not eating certain foods,and wanting to play in the middle of the night. With work from Angel's dad and I we are able to take Angel out to a restaurant without any misshapes.I believe my parenting is more on the strict side because, my mom and dad couldn't control me, I did what I wanted not caring what the side effect was. This made my teen years very hard and the relationship between my parents and I very difficult.
2. Describe two specific examples of changes in your child’s behavior at age 4 that seem to stem from growth in cognitive and language ability since the period of infancy (e.g., improvements in symbolic thinking, reasoning, knowledge of the world, theory of mind). Angel plays with a new skill almost every chance she gets. For example, this has been happening with naming things. Angel loves to name colors, letters and animals whenever and wherever she sees them (e.g., signs, stores, around the neighborhood). Angel is also starting to understand the difference between boy toy's and girl toy's, however we still let her decided what kind of toy she would like to play with either it be a truck or dolls.
. How would you characterize your child’s personality? Would you say that your child is primarily overcontrolled, undercontrolled or resilient? Support your argument. I really think Angel is resilient because,she doesn't let little things hold her back from learning new objects or people. One example, when Angel was younger a very big dog scared her to the point that Angel never wanted to play with big dogs again. Angel stopped riding her bike next to the fence where she knew the dog was, but now with a little help from me Angel is able to play with all dogs again, and ride her bike by the once scary fence. Angel has also over come changing a few times to a new daycare. Angel made new friends on the first day of school never getting too sad about her old school.
2. Describe two specific examples of changes in your child’s behavior at age 4 that seem to stem from growth in cognitive and language ability since the period of infancy (e.g., improvements in symbolic thinking, reasoning, knowledge of the world, theory of mind). Angel plays with a new skill almost every chance she gets. For example, this has been happening with naming things. Angel loves to name colors, letters and animals whenever and wherever she sees them (e.g., signs, stores, around the neighborhood). Angel is also starting to understand the difference between boy toy's and girl toy's, however we still let her decided what kind of toy she would like to play with either it be a truck or dolls.
. How would you characterize your child’s personality? Would you say that your child is primarily overcontrolled, undercontrolled or resilient? Support your argument. I really think Angel is resilient because,she doesn't let little things hold her back from learning new objects or people. One example, when Angel was younger a very big dog scared her to the point that Angel never wanted to play with big dogs again. Angel stopped riding her bike next to the fence where she knew the dog was, but now with a little help from me Angel is able to play with all dogs again, and ride her bike by the once scary fence. Angel has also over come changing a few times to a new daycare. Angel made new friends on the first day of school never getting too sad about her old school.
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