Adolescents Need for Structure

2020-01-21 00:00:00 Natasha Griffin

During the school break this holiday season, many students find themselves without structure during their day. Although the break from school is something they look forward to and celebrate it may cause trouble when there is a clear lack of structure. Adolescents are growing and maturing and their prefrontal cortex is still not fully developed meaning their planning and reasoning skills are lacking.

During the time they spend in school they are working and following deadlines laid out to them by teachers and faculty. At home, it is helpful to encourage this similar structure since consistency is something we all yearn for and need to learn to implement ourselves.

Remaining mindful of the transition back to school. Here are certain things to encourage to help with productivity and avoid feelings of depression:

• Set limits to electronic devices
• Monitor time spent on social media
• Encourage they maintain healthy sleeping pattern

Creating these boundaries will help them learn how to create a schedule throughout their day. This will boost productivity and help them feel more creative, happy and productive.

Natasha Griffin is a Marriage and Family Trainee. She is supervised by Danielle Fitch, LMFT #94672.

Parenting, Children and Teens, Mental Health, Communication