WEEK 5... Dominguez Guadalupe

      Section 8 concentrates on adolescence, there is not a specific  age set for when it starts or ends, it is based more on outcomes. The age range may be from around 10 to 19 , but it does not always apply. Adolescence is crucial and can even be stressful because of  the big changes that are taking place  in different aspects such as physical, cognitive and social. The reading mentions the Broadway Musical, Spring awakening, which focuses on topics adolescents can highly relate. The play was written in 1891 by Frank Wedekind and it touches some controversial topics such as rape, sexual orientation, violation, forcible intercourse, self-destruction and suicide. At first the play was banned for its content but now of days it is accepted and it opens a gate of conversation between parents and children and or adolescent public. Physical, cognitive and sexual  development are made clear, broaden and elaborated. I will focus on the matter of sexual identity and mental health.
     Sexual identity starts by accepting to who one may feel attracted to in a romantic way as to have maybe a relationship. A Person may single out as heterosexual ,homosexual or LGBT. LGBT stand for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender. Masturbation seems to be very normal act  among youth, is a way of self exploration without been engaged in a sexual encounter that involves a second person. If an adolescent decides to engage in sexual activity or not can be due too multiple factors such as exposure, knowledge,family customs, religion, culture, gender and even residency. It has been found that youth is sexually active but recently the number has dropped due to worry of contagious diseases dispute. The question arises: How to properly and sensitively have a dialogue with youth about sexual relations? On page 197 of the textbook LifeSmart , it gives out pointers for a healthy conversation. (1) reflective listening, (2) face and body language (3) nonverbal support, (4) timbre of voice,and  (5) encouraging terminology . It is very important to consider all aspects for an effective conversation to take place, one that can be of real benefit for the adolescent.
     Youth pregnancy is mostly due to lack of information and education about the matter. There are other factors that can contribute to pregnancy at a young age such as poverty, family issues, exposure and even the lack of information on contraception. Sexual abuse on youth happens very often and most likely by someone they are familiar with and even close to them. Most victims stay quiet but may present other behaviors such as substance abuse, eating irregularity or even may escape from home. Mental well-being is another very critical concern. It has been said that mental problems during adolescence is very rare but if not threaded it can be very harmful and wont be self cured.  1 in 10 adolescents have mental disorders according to the National Institute of Mental Health. it is very necessary for grown ups to be very  tentative to any signs projected from youth of troublesome. youth need any resources and support available to overcome any mental challenges they may be going through. At times they may deny it and close up but it is very important to insist and get the help youth need to overcome any challenge of this nature. Suicide, substance misuse, illicit practice ,anxiety, tension and worry can all be an outcome of mental health challenges.
      A very informative chapter, I enjoyed learning about the adolescent years, I sincerely have no doubt that these years are unquestionable decisive and crucial.  I understand how complex adolescence in the shoes of a young one, but as a mom I find is spine-chilling. I can still recall my teenage years and the ideas going on in my mind, and the decisions I made at the time. I think for me the most challenging areas where physical and social development. Physically I was experiencing changes and at many times comparing myself to other girls, maybe not the most healthy thing to do but it was normal to an extend I assume. Social development I would consider my most challenging area of development during those years. At age 9 my parent went through a divorce, not the best timing for me, sadly it was added tension too anything I was already facing. I find the role of the family to be very crucial during this time, family support plays a big role. Thankfully I found comfort in my friends, I never had many friends but I did have great friends, good friends I would say.
     My son just turned 11 last Sunday, and I must admit that I am scared. I am petrified to fail as a mother during this crucial time for him. Last week my son told me about a conversation that he and his friends had during lunch. I was shocked, and I realized it was time for me to have a conversation with him about the different aspects of development taking into consideration his age. I know it may not be all a calm breeze but I hope that we both go through this challenging time in his life together, guiding him to make the most appropriate and sane decisions.