4 DQ 3. This requires a bit of imagination! Consider the following scenario: You

Question

4 DQ 3. This requires a bit of imagination! Consider the following scenario: You are a parent of an 10 year old child (you get to choose daughter or son!) For reasons beyond your control, you are going to be gone for this child's entire adolescence...in.other words, you are going to miss out on experiencing a very significant part of your offspring's development, given that you will not be returning until your child is an emerging adult of 20. Create your initial post on the DQ 3 Discussion Board in response to the following questions: at are the three most important pieces of advice you want to leave your child with regarding gender and sexuality? If you need more specifics to respond to, think about: Global Learning & Partnerships t Weekly Overview | Version 41,2015 e Wh ROWAN ONLINE OF ROWAN UNVERSITY a. what do you want your child to know about male and female roles in society, if anything? b. what advice do you have for your child regarding romantic relationships? (gay or straight, you get to choose here). What things should your child know about his or her changing feelings and desires as they proceed through puberty and adolescence? What do you wish your parents had told you that you now have the chance to share with your son or daughter? When posting DO responses . . - hor

Explanation / Answer

Adolescence can be understood as a period of transition from child to an adult. This period generally extends from 12 to 19 years of age, which is broadly categorised into three stages, that is early adolescence, middle adolescence and late adolescence. This transition involves biological, psychological and social changes. Parents find this to be a stormy period because it appears, as if there is nothing that parents say or do is right for the adolescents.

Being in a situation where I am the parent of a 10 year old son and the fact that I would be missing out on his crucial developmental years, I would consider passing on some words of advice, caution and knowledge that would help him transition through this phase smoothly.

I would first educate my son on the physical changes that occur during this period. Adolescence is the time for growth spurts and pubertal changes. These occur as a result of hormonal changes. This is a period of turbulence because the child begin to realise that their bodies are changing and growing in new uncertain ways. I would make it a point to clarify these changes to my son by explaining to him that these changes are normal and that he is not alone in this journey and that others of his age do go through the same. I would try to educate him on the male reproductive organs and talk to him about matters regarding erections, ejaculation and having wet dreams. The embarrassment, awkwardness and the fear that may creep up with the above should be taken into one's stride. I would advise him on maintaining a good personal hygiene. Due to the influence of testosterone, the larynx expands and the voice cracks before it deepens. This is another akward phase. There is a development of hair over legs, arms, groin, armpits and face. The hair on the face first appears fine and fuzzy and then later becomes tougher and thicker and this is when the child has to shave. All the above would be discussed with him. Sweat glands become more active during this period and body odour develops hence good hygiene should be practiced. Overactivity of sebaceous glands may cause sebum to block the pores of the skin which combines with bacteria and causes pimples to arise. I would advise using a medicated facewash in this case. During puberty and adolescence, sexual thoughts and fantasies become more frequent. These are also normal and is common among all girls and boys at this stage.

Gender identities and gender schemas shape the kinds of ideas and behaviors that adolescents may consider appropriate for themselves and others. Gender identity relates to how one feels inside, whether one feels masculine or feminine. Sexual orientation refers to a person's emotional and sexual attraction to a particular sex. This can be divided into four categories: heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality and asexuality. I would try to provide sexual literacy on topics related to reproduction, healthy relationships, help the child distinguish between fact and fiction in media, such as TV, music, games and other depictions of sexuality. The absence of sexual literacy can be a source of many health and social hazards including STDs. I would encourage him to attend sex education classes that are conducted at school.

Being in a romantic relationship is common during adolescence as they get attracted towards the opposite sex. Ml would counsel my son by telling him that being in a relationship with a girl is okay provided he doesn't start early sexual activity and engage in high-risk sexual behaviour. Safe sex practices and responsible decision making will be stressed here.

Male and female roles have undergone tremendous changes in today's society. Traditionally men were considered responsible for taking care of the family financially while women were expected to run the household. Today both men and women equally provide financial and emotional support to the family. I would teach my son gender senditization wherein it teaches him to hold views about his own as well as the other sex. This will generate respect for the opposite sex.

In conclusion, as a parent I would encourage an open reciprocal relationship between him and me. In my absence I would always prefer an open and honest dialogue with him whenever necessary.

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