Adolescent (12+ years)
Adolescents are mainly concerned with peer acceptance and body image. Changes in their body and sexuality are issues of great importance. Adolescents are self-centered, and believe in their own unlimited powers. "It can't happen to me" is a common theme. Rebellion against authority is another marker of being a teenager.
Common concerns of adolescents include body mutilation, loss of body function, loss of control, loss of independence and invasion of privacy. These concerns can be increased during a hospital or healthcare experience. The following strategies can help parents and caregivers during their adolescent's healthcare experience.
Review our growth and development information for more about your child's development by age.
Play and recreation
- Bringing familiar toys and objects such as blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, music, movies and clothing
- Listening to favorite music
- Watching favorite movies
- Playing board games
- Playing card games
- Playing video games
- Participating in group activities, such as art, cooking and game tournaments, with peers
- Writing in journals and creating scrapbooks
- Writing poems and stories
- Using computers
Medical play
- Writing stories and poems about the healthcare experience
- Making sculptures with casting material
- Creating artwork and music with medical themes
- Exploring with real medical equipment
Preparation
- Including your adolescent in any discussions and decisions about his or her healthcare experience
- Encouraging your adolescent to ask questions about hospital care, procedures and schedules
- Allowing and supporting your adolescent's privacy
Coping techniques
- Picking a favorite place or thing to talk about or imagine
- Playing music on a portable CD or tape player
- Playing a hand held game
- Breathing with slow deep breaths
- Relaxing muscles
- Squeezing a ball
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- 215-590-2001
