Be Supportive!

The most important thing for parents, teachers, counselors, peers, and anyone who has a relationship with young people is to be understanding and supportive of their social and emotional development.  Everyone goes through these changes to some degree and understanding the perspective of an adolescent will help them develop in a healthy manner.  Here are some good ways to be supportive and help with development.

• Be a Role Model:  Young people observe and look up to the adults that they have relationships with.  They will pick up on and emulate the actions and patterns that they observe.  Adolescents will develop respect, empathy, and positive relationships naturally if they are exposed to those things on a regular basis.  Adults can have a significant impact on development simply by exhibiting positive characteristics.
• Listen to Them:  Take an interest in what is important to them.  When a young person wants to talk and open up to you be supportive and attention.  Let them know that you care and are there to help.  Make time in your schedule to communicate and share with them.  Your support and care will help them deal with their emotions and challenges.
• Be Open About Your Feelings:  Communicate about how their actions and decisions make you feel.  This will help adolescents understand that their actions and decisions affect others in both positive and negative ways.  Also model for them how you deal with your emotions and challenges; they will pattern your actions!
• Get to Know Their Social Group:  Take an interest in their group of friends and get to know them.  This will help you keep in touch with their social relationships.  This will also show that you care about their sense of self and you recognize the importance and value their friendships.

Having supportive role models and positive relationships plays a major role in the social and emotional development of young people.  Look for ways to help and be understanding of the changes of adolescence and how you can help with their social and emotional development.