Parental Support is the Key to a Healthy Teenager

The Series Institute outlines numerous internal and external assets that a healthy middle school age child (8-12 years) and teenager (12-18 years) should exhibit. At first glance it would seem incomprehensible that anyone could display all of these traits, nonetheless teenagers who normally have raging hormones and selfish attitudes. According to Lerner though, “Research shows that most young people go through adolescence having good relationships with their parents, adopting attitudes and values consistent with their parents’ and end up getting out of the adolescent period and becoming good citizens” (A Peaceful Adolescence). Much of this outcome depends on the support given by parents during these developmental times. Parents may not think that they have any influence over their children but they are mistaken. Children and early teens are constantly watching how their parents react to situations and function within society in order to learn how to deal with the problems they face. The Series Institute also agrees that parental support is crucial because many of the attributes they recommend for a healthy middle aged child focus on parental support such as parents should tell children it is important to tell the truth (Development Assets for Middle Childhood). This line of reasoning makes sense because children in their early years (8-12) need guidance about what is right and wrong and how they should interact with the world. They are starting to gain more relationships outside of their family and are facing difficult issues such as peer pressure and drug use. At this younger age they are more receptive to their parents and therefore parents need to provide guidance so that as their child grows older they have the tools they need in order to make the right decision when faced with hard issues.




A Peaceful Adolescence


Developmental Assets for Middle Childhood


Developmental Assets for Adolescents

Defining the Tween Age Group

         I believe that it is hard to nail down an exact age or age range when an individual is considered a tween. Both Naked Reading and Serving Young Teens and ’Tweens have given a range of ten to fourteen. I agree that this is a reasonable age range, but I believe that it is very hard to limit it. Individuals develop and mature at many different rates. Lesesne agrees and states that children begin puberty at different stages so there is no definite timeline or age when the process begins (2006, p.11). Some girls may start menstruating at ten while others may be late bloomers and not start until sixteen. Others may physically mature, but emotionally and mentally still be interested in younger type materials. I think that is why it is important to get to know the individual rather than making assumptions based on their looks or age, prior to recommending a book. In a perfect world this would be the best solution but due to time constraints it is not always possible. If I had to put an age range on the tween group I would probably extend the range given by the two text books and include eight to fourteen years old. This wider age range would allow for those that started developing both a little earlier and a little later. Using this larger more inclusive age range in developing a library collection would be helpful because it would allow the collection to include a wide range of materials appropriate for a diverse group.




Lesesne, T, S. (2006) Naked reading: Uncovering What Tweens Need to Become Lifelong Readers.  Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers.