Adolescence

Physical Developmental
Milestone
Berk (2013) noted that Nutrition and exercise also make a difference.
In females, a sharp rise in body weight and fat may trigger sexual
maturation (p. 204). Eating healthy can contribute to the body
developing normally. It definitely is important to exercise and make
sure your children dont push the body into developing too much due
to excessive body weight.
It is apparent that boys grow much faster than girls, but is some cases
some boys it takes a little bit longer to get to that stage where they
have gone through puberty. Its the opposite for girls, they take a little
longer as far as where they should be with height and weight, and
some girls will go through their growth spurt at an early stage. It
really depends sometimes on your genetics and family history.
Berk (2013) noted that During adolescence, girls gains in grossmotor performance are slow and gradual, leveling off by age 14. In
contrast, boys show a dramatic spurt in strength, speed, and
endurance that continues through the teenage years, widening the
gender gap( p. 180).

Language Developmental
Milestone
Language development in the adolescence stage is one of
importance, this stage will help young adults become more
advance in their vocabulary when speaking with others. They
also will develop more advanced in their writing, as well as
their sentence structure and mechanics. Berk (2013) noted
that Masters understands subtle, nonliteral word meanings,
as in sarcasm, irony, and proverbs. Ability to communicate
clearly and in accord with social expectations in diverse
situations improves(p.395). Young adults will see the
importance in their language development when entering in
high school. It is a perquisite to college that you already know
how to write a paper and properly cite information when they
do their research for school. It is important that they learn how
to use certain words appropriately in different scenarios and
situations with others.

Cognitive Developmental
Milestone
In the stage of cognitive development with older teens, things start
to change with their decision making, they start to have better
reasoning. They tend to think more like adults and make adult like
decisions depending on their guidance from their parents and
teachers. According to the CDC (2015) noted that Children in this
age group might have more ability for complex thought. Be better
able to express feelings through talking. Develop a stronger sense
of right and wrong. At this juncture in life they still can make bad
decisions and have many questions regarding what is wrong and
what is right. Some adolescence take more time to figure out
things or may be unsure of what decisions to make in life. This is
where the milestone of expressing themselves comes into play.
Some will lack a sense of maturity, and this is due to lack of
redirecting the child and holding them accountable for their actions
and decisions. When this happens kids will end up making the
wrong decisions thinking they are making the correct one. At this
age this still need praise and direction, learning never stops.

Atypical Sign of
Development
A decline in cognitive learning, as well in social interaction.
These are signs of atypical development. A normal
functioning young adult will keep learning and wanting to
strive to learn more. The atypical signs of a young adult
are easy to spot. You know your child and how their
demeanor is when growing up. If they all of a sudden are
no longer the young, vibrant, social and happy kid they
once were, this may ne signs of atypical development.
Berk (2013) noted that In an electroencephalogram
(EEG), researchers examine brain-wave patterns for
stability and organizationsigns of mature functioning of
the cortex (p. 48). You can easily find out if there is a
more serious issue with your teen if you feel that there is
some decline in their brain function and mental stability.

A Strategy to influence
your childs learning
There are a few strategies that you can adapt to, to help with your
child's learning. It is easier said than done, kids in high school can
be well teenagers and still make bad decisions regarding their lives.
To help your child understand the importance of learning is to open
their eyes to reality and the real world when it comes to learning
and becoming a successful adult that is making a difference in their
community as a young adult. The reality is you have to work study
hard, work hard at everything you do and give your best. If your
child is lacking in motivation in learning, find what interests them
and praise them for the great work they do. Sometimes just praise
isnt enough to get your kids motivated. Take them out in the
community, show them what it takes to make it and not make it in
this world. One time my father took me out to the streets and
showed me what I would turn into if I didnt study and try my
hardest at everything I do. It literally scared me and I will never
forget it. I tell all my students what my father showed me, and how
it helped me think differently about my education and future
learning.

Reference
Berk, Laura E.. Child Development, 9th Edition. Pearson, 2013. VitalBook file. Retrieved from
http://my-ebooks.bookrenter.com/books/0205927599/page/180
Berk, Laura E.. Child Development, 9th Edition. Pearson, 2013. VitalBook file. Retrieved from
http://my-ebooks.bookrenter.com/books/0205927599/p.204
Berk, Laura E.. Child Development, 9th Edition. Pearson, 2013. VitalBook. Retrieved from
http://my-ebooks.bookrenter.com/books/0205927599/page/253
Berk, Laura E.. Child Development, 9th Edition. Pearson, 2013. VitalBook file. Retrieved from
http://my-ebooks.bookrenter.com/books/0205927599/page/395
Berk, Laura E.. Child Development, 9th Edition. Pearson, 2013. VitalBook file. Retrieved from
http://my-ebooks.bookrenter.com/books/0205927599/page/48