We search, on our journeys,
for a self to be, for other selves to love,
and for work to do…
We find by losing. We hold on by letting go.
--Frederick Buechner
I have done some research about adolescent development to help me understand the rhyme and reasoning behind some of the behaviors of the mother that I am working with. I want to be able to understand her needs, and know where is is coming from developmentally so that I can change the ways I work with her, and other teen parents I will work with the future. There are a couple of behaviors that I have noticed that I feel could cause the mother to not reach her goals. I was to discuss those behaviors and the research that is related to why I am seeing those behaviors. One thing that I have noticed is being impulsive. The mother I am working with often changes her mind as to what she would like to work on and in what order. I have found it difficult to just tell her how I would do it, and allow her to make her choices and support those choices.
I would like to talk about brain development in adolescence, and how the development in the brain during the time of adolescence would effect our work together. The frontal lobe is an area of the brain that controls emotional regulation, self-control and judgment. During adolescence, this area of the brain is "under construction" This explains why during our work together the mother has a hard time making sound judgment calls, such as choosing to purchase a car without having a job. The implication of this information for be as a teacher/mentor for this family is that I need to be aware that she is still learning how to be in control of her emotions, and needs to more time to practice making good, sound judgment calls. I will be able to help her practice these skills, by offering her choices and asking her about the outcomes of the choices that she makes. By allowing her a place to practice and discuss these skills it will help her develop them and this will help her make better choices later in life.
You are really making an impact on this mother's life. You are helping her make good choices with her child yes, but also becoming a role model and someone she can rely on for helpful information and skills to help her with her own life. Sometimes we forget what its like to be an adolecent, and especially a teen with a child. Helping her learn important skills can only help her child and herself.
ReplyDeleteHeather- You are moving forward with such beautiful intentions. I am wondering what the role models in this young mother's life have looked like. Along with her young age, her decision making skills may be a product of a learned behavior. Being a positive role model for her is a wonderful role you can play in her life- even if it takes a longer period of time for her to recognize some of the changes she can make in her own life
ReplyDeleteThe characteristics of adolescent development you chose to connect with your work have clear implications for how you relate to her. Understanding the specific challenge of parenting due to one's age and stage clearly informs effective planning and communication.
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