Program Name

A Parent's Guide to Adolescents

Program Code

PD-APG01

Website Short Description

Why do they act that way? That is the question all parents of teenagers have asked themselves at one time or another. Understanding those not children, but not yet adult humans that take over the house is no easy feat. They have bad manners, contempt for authority, disrespect for elders, and spend all their time sleeping and playing video games. This course addresses what modern teens face today and delves into physiological and psychological issues that turn our loving kids into surely teenagers.

Duration

1 month

Hours

24

Language

English

Outline

A Parent's Guide to Adolescents Module 1
Adolescent Brains & Impulsiveness

In Module 1 we will explore the gap that forms between adolescents and their parents. We will delve into the adolescent brain and identify how teens change physically, mentally, and emotionally during the adolescent years.

Making Sense of Adolescence
What Adolescents Face Today
The Gap Between Parents and Their Kids
Appreciating Adolescents
Physical Changes in the Teen Brain
A Parent's Guide to Adolescents Module 2
Communication & Sexual Identity

In Module 2 we will focus on communicating with the adolescent. Tips and tools for learning good communication skills will be shared. Also, we will identify the trials teens face while exploring his or her sexual identity during adolescents and list some effective tools for addressing sexual identity with teens.

Parent-Adolescent Miscommunication
Good Communication Skills
Male and Female Brains
Sexual Stereotyping and Identity
Love, Sex, and the Adolescent Brain
A Parent's Guide to Adolescents Module 3
Media, Sleep, & Mental Illness

Module 3 describes the physical changes in an adolescent’s body and addresses why teens sleep patterns tend to change during these years. Another important topic discussed in this module is mental illness in teens. How to know if your child is testing his or her boundaries or if there may be an underlying factor that may require intervention.

Adolescents and Media
Media Use
Media in Teens’ Lives
Sleep and the Teen Brain
Adolescent Mental Illness
A Parent's Guide to Adolescents Module 4
Psychological & Social Dimensions of Adolescence

Module 4 will define how teens react to the physical changes that take place during adolescents and give parents/adults some guidelines on the best way to help teens through these changes. Emotional changes are also discussed and finally, peer relationships and the important influence friends have on the adolescent.

Four Major Changes
Reactions to Physical Changes
Reactions to Emotional Change
The Shift of Influence from Parents to Peers
The Search for Identity

Audience

There are no specific prerequisites for this class. It is designed for anyone desiring to enhance their skills or learn the topics covered in the class.

Instructor Description

This class is an independent-study course.  Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material.  A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.

Required Materials

Internet Access:
Broadband or high-speed internet access is required. Broadband includes DSL, cable, and wireless connections.

Hardware:
1 GB RAM minimum recommended

PC/Windows:
Windows XP, Vista or 7

Mac computers:
Mac OS X 10 or higher
MUST have Microsoft Window Operating Systems over Bootcamp (Bootcamp is a free download from Apple's website)

Software:
Google Chrome is the best browser for this course
Cookies MUST be enabled
Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
Kindle Reader App is needed for many courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded onto your computer.)
Adobe PDF Reader
Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Acrobat Reader, Apple Quicktime, Windows Media Player, &/or Real Player
PowerPoint Viewer (Use this if you don't have PowerPoint)