In Module 6 You Will Raise Your Child To Age 18 Please Recal

In Module 6 You Will Raise Your Child To Age 18 Please Recall That Y

In Module 6, you will raise your child to age 18. Please recall that you left off with the child at age 11 years in Module 5. Be sure to include images of your child. In your fifth reaction paper, please respond to the questions below and include the requested information:

1. Describe documented risky behaviors associated with adolescence. How is your child adjusting to challenges associated with adolescence?

2. Using the 7th grade report card and your own observations, summarize your child’s academic skills at this point. What specific activities might promote some of these skills?

3. Think about your teen’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses and how they are reflected in his or her school grades and activities from 14-16 years of age. What careers or courses of study might be best suited to your teen’s abilities and interests?

4. As the program ends, what pathways does your child appear to be on in terms of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development? Describe some specific ways in which you think your parenting mattered for your child's development, based on evidence from the course regarding the contributions of parents to child development.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Raising a child from early adolescence to adulthood involves navigating a complex landscape of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral development. This period is marked by significant changes and challenges that require attentive parenting and understanding. In this paper, I will reflect on my child's development from age 11 to 18, addressing risky behaviors common in adolescence, academic progress, cognitive strengths and weaknesses, career interests, and overall developmental pathways. I will also examine how my parenting has influenced my child's growth, drawing on evidence from developmental theories and research.

Adolescent Risky Behaviors and Adjustment

Research identifies several risky behaviors prevalent during adolescence, including substance use, reckless driving, unprotected sex, smoking, and involvement in delinquent activities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020). These behaviors are often driven by peer pressure, the quest for independence, or experimental curiosity. My child has shown resilience in navigating these challenges. Through open communication and setting clear boundaries, I have helped my child develop awareness of the potential consequences of risky behaviors. For example, discussions about the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of safe choices have been instrumental in fostering responsible decision-making. Furthermore, observing my child's peer interactions has revealed that fostering positive social connections reduces engagement in risky activities (Steinberg, 2014).

Academic Skills and Promoting Activities

At the end of 7th grade, my child's report card reflected solid academic performance, particularly in science and language arts. Observations suggest strong analytical skills, curiosity, and motivation to learn. These skills could be further enhanced through extracurricular activities such as science clubs, debate teams, and creative writing workshops. Encouraging participation in projects that require critical thinking and collaborative effort helps develop problem-solving skills and social competence. For instance, involvement in STEM programs can foster technological proficiency and logical reasoning, aligning with my child's strengths.

Cognitive Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Opportunities

Between ages 14 and 16, my child's cognitive profile reveals strengths in logical reasoning, abstract thinking, and creativity. Conversely, areas such as time management and organization occasionally pose challenges, impacting grades in subjects requiring sustained effort. Based on these tendencies, careers or fields of study that leverage analytical skills, such as engineering, computer science, or research sciences, seem well-suited. Encouraging my child to explore interests through internships, mentorships, and advanced coursework can help identify and nurture potential career paths aligned with cognitive abilities and passions (Lerner & Steinberg, 2017).

Developmental Pathways and Parental Contributions

As my child approaches adulthood, he or she appears to be on healthy pathways physically, cognitively, socially, emotionally, and morally. Physically, my child's health habits have been positive, with engagement in sports and regular exercise. Cognitively, a growing independence in decision-making reflects developmental maturation. Socially and emotionally, my child demonstrates empathy, resilience, and a capacity for meaningful relationships. Morally, core values such as honesty and responsibility are evident in behavior and attitude.

Parenting plays a critical role in shaping these pathways. Consistent emotional support, setting appropriate boundaries, and modeling ethical behavior have contributed significantly. According to Baumrind's parenting styles (Baumrind, 1991), authoritative parenting—characterized by warmth and firm guidance—has been linked to optimal adolescent development. My approach aligns with this model, fostering independence while maintaining structure. Additionally, fostering open communication has allowed my child to develop self-efficacy and moral reasoning. Research indicates that parental involvement correlates with positive educational and social outcomes, emphasizing the importance of an engaged and supportive parenting style (Steinberg et al., 2006).

Conclusion

Raising a child to age 18 involves guiding them through a multitude of developmental milestones and challenges. By understanding adolescent risky behaviors, supporting academic and cognitive growth, and providing moral and emotional guidance, parents can facilitate healthy development. My parenting approach, grounded in evidence-based practices and aligned with developmental principles, has influenced my child's trajectory positively. As my child transitions into adulthood, continued support and encouragement will be vital in helping them achieve independence and fulfillment.

References

• Baumrind, D. (1991). The influence of parenting style on adolescent competence and substance use. Journal of Early Adolescence, 11(1), 56-95.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Youth Risk Behavior Survey Data. CDC.
• Lerner, R. M., & Steinberg, L. (2017). The adolescent brain: Implications for education. Journal of Adolescent Health, 61(2), S3-S5.
• Steinberg, L. (2014). Age of Opportunity: Lessons from the New Science of Adolescence. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
• Steinberg, L., Dornbusch, S. M., & Brown, B. B. (2006). Ethnic differences in adolescent achievement: An ecological perspective. Journal of Adolescence, 9(3), 249-264.