A Different Species?

Between our Improvement of Reading class and my Principles and Techniques class, there is a lot of discussion about the adolescent culture, and how to deal with them. A lot of the same points are raised, but in each class we are able to have new discussions about different situations. Sometimes, I feel like we are being prepared for battle! I realize that it is difficult to deal with adolescents, since there is a lot that they are going through, but how hard can it really be?

I mean, I'm 20 years old, not that long ago, I was in their shoes. Even by the time I get into the actual teaching field. Sure, teens are a lot different from how I was when I was their age. But are they really that different from "normal" people? The way we talk about them, it is as though we're examining animals on the discovery channel, looking at all their moves and how they will behave in certain situations.

I don't know if our professors are preparing us so much so it's not that bad once we're actually teaching, or if it will be that bad when we're out there. I actually found a few websites, not really for teachers, moreso for parents, about how to deal with teenagers. There were some interesting questions and articles. Some were actually pretty funny. But it made me think of how I'll deal with situations I'm not ready for. I can generally figure out how to deal with behavior or alcohol or drug problems. But some of the things on these pages really surprised me. Check them out!!

http://www.kidshealth.com/parent/growth/growing/adolescence.html

http://life.familyeducation.com/parenting/parenting-problem-solving/39558.html?detoured=1