Changes in Adolescence
Moral and Spiritual Changes
Young adolescents are interested in the bigger meanings of life. They want to know where they belong and where they can make a difference. Parents and teachers may notice that young adolescents experience and/or express:
- an idealistic sense of social justice and fairness
- a need to have choices and make personal decisions
- a desire to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others
- an interest in learning about other cultures and beliefs
- a need to ask challenging questions about life and relationships
“As an adolescent I want to be a role model. I want to help kids that are just like me.”
“I try to highlight moral values in conversations with my kids and to highlight the moral aspect in our everyday decisions. But it’s hard when we seem to be surrounded by media and messages that are all about me, me, me, and I want, I want, I want.”
“Middle Years students are really happy when they can do something for others. Two of the many ways they help others at our school is when they help the grade 1 and 2 students with their reading and story writing, and when they visit the seniors residence and spend time listening to and talking with the elderly residents there.”
