In the early childhood years, much focus is on milestones and basic needs: is the toddler taking first steps? Have they mastered potty training? Is speech delayed? What does the baby need when he cries non stop in the evening?
But when it comes to adolescence, the picture is clouded. What are the milestones? What’s needed? What can wait? Nothing is indisputable. Unlike the early years, where developmental stages and achievements are meticulously observed, tracked and measured, the transition from early adolescence to adulthood lacks a defined roadmap, leaving both parents and teenagers perplexed.
This is a great article, thank you.
I’d be interested in learning more of how this would play out in a neurodivergent family, without community support.
Thanks Ammara for your comment. It would depend on all sorts of factors like all things, so of course each family’s needs and aspirations would be different … but perhaps the most crucial place to start would be to build that community support? neighbours, friends, school etc.
A very helpful article as I reflect on how I struggle as a foreigner to belong in my local community and how that plays out in my teenagers.
Thank you.
thank you Polly for your comment. Yes absolutely, the role of community is crucial and I think it’s increasingly a problem in the way we live today, as it’s undervalued. In particular for teenagers, community and wider support for the family (eg other adults) makes all the difference.