Advice on Transitioning Into Adulthood

“Students don’t act out because they are bad people. They are simply looking for ways to establish and maintain a sense of self while navigating through the sometimes extreme experiences they have.”

Influence of Peers

Another important thing to remember is the social development of adolescence. This takes place in all of their relationships. One of the greatest social changes for adolescents is the importance of their peers. This change allows them to gain independence from their families, and explore how they differ from their parents. The relationship between adolescents and their parents is changed by the adolescents’ social development. The shift in the social world from family to peers does not lessen the importance of the family in the adolescent’s life.

Young adolescents are very concerned with being accepted by a peer group. This can strongly influence some to engage in activities they normally would not consider.

An adolescent’s new desire for independence leads to increasing conflicts with their parents. We as teachers have a unique opportunity to observe adolescents and their involvement with their peers. We can see the changes and should act as facilitators between the students and parents when needed. Starting with an open and honest classroom is a good place is encouraging. Hopefully these values will be carried on with the students in all of their relationships.

Influence of community

The characteristics of a community, such as socioeconomic status, schools, religious organizations, the media and people who live in the community can also have a great impact on an adolescent’s social development. We need to take these into consideration when dealing with adolescence and needs.

Our students learn about themselves by measuring their experiences against those of the people in their community. Being open takes the edge off the challenges of being human. But being a teacher means being open to more than asking for help; it also means being a role model. One of our jobs is simply to be seen as an adult in the world.

Mentoring

We are role models and can be mentors for our students. Research shows that mentoring is important to teens. Parents play the most influential role in the lives of their children; however studies show that other significant adults can have an important positive influence, helping teens make a successful transition into adulthood. A mentor can inspire a teen’s educational achievement and shape careers. Successful mentors can also influence social and emotional well-being, health and safety. As a teacher we can either be an appropriate mentor or help our students by finding community member that are willing to be mentors.