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Male vs. Female Adolescent Social Development

Posted On: 02-03-2017
Male vs. Female Adolescent Social Development
Adolescence, which marks the transitional period from childhood to adulthood, is a time of rapid changes. While the most obvious changes in your child might be physical as a result of puberty, he is also continuing his social, emotional, and moral development. Although every child develops at his own pace, there are some social changes you can expect that are both similar to and different from how an adolescent girl would develop.

Similarities

Both boys and girls are spending their adolescent years developing independence and forming their identity. As a result, your child, regardless of sex, may spend more time with friends than with family. Since adolescence is also a time of development, boys and girls are both likely to be self-conscious about their body image. For some teens, this can cause a drop in self-esteem that can hinder interactions with peers. Both boys and girls place importance on social acceptance.

Differences

Typically, girls physically mature more rapidly than boys. As a result, girls can reach a stage of confidence and self-acceptance earlier than boys of the same age, making it easier to relate to peers and move toward romantic relationships. However, it is important to note that each child is different.

Considerations

Keep in mind that every child develops at her own pace. Although there are some typical milestones and traits when it comes to your teen’s social development, the majority of her development in this area will not be affected by her gender, but rather factors such as her peers and community. You might find that she follows her own version of normal for social development or does not act like you would expect. To keep yourself in the loop, educate yourself about adolescent development and talk with your child often about her feelings and experiences in the social world.

Recommendations

You can encourage your older child’s social development by encouraging him to participate in extracurricular activities. If you notice that he spends less time at home in favor of spending time with friends, try to be understanding about the changes he is experiencing with his independence. Keep your eyes open for signs of withdrawal, which could indicate that he is having trouble relating to his peers.

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