GIVE OPTIONS WHENEVER POSSIBLE

Remember when you had a two-year-old who wanted to 'do it myself?' Your teenager's resistance may not come in the form of a toddler tantrum, but the emotions may feel familiar. Whenever possible, give options so they have some freedom to choose. 

RE-DEFINE THE CONVERSATION

Your Year-8 student may answer your questions with one word, an eye-roll, or an all-too-clear facial expression. But don't mistranslate the cues. Year-8 kids actually want to have adult conversations sometimes. Be available -- even if it seems a little pointless. 

YEAR-8 STUDENTS ARE SMART

In fact, there may be no phase quite as smart as this one -- just ask them. Being so much smarter than everyone else can really become a burden. Sometimes their patience just runs out, and they simply can't explain it to you one more time. On some occasions, have fun going toe-to-toe with your year-8 kid and challenge them back. Just remember, the important thing is how they personalise what they believe in this phase. So encourage their personal discoveries. 

Your year-8 kid is cool. No longer at the mercy of an uncontrollable emotional outburst, year-8 kids are increasingly able to self-regulate their actions, emotions, and activities. But, this emerging sense of control creates a new kind of tension for your teenager to resolve. When you consistently affirm their journey through this sometimes-turbulent season, you help them gain stability. 

THINKS LIKE AN ENGINEER

You help them learn when you... CONNECT THE DOTS.

WANTS TO KNOW "WHO AM I?"

You capture their heart when you ... PROVIDE STABILITY

IS MOTIVATED BY ACCEPTANCE

You coach their moral abilities when you ... AFFIRM THEIR VALUE

YOUR YEAR-8 TEENAGER IS CHANGING

PHYSICALLY

• Needs 9-11 hours of sleep each night and may easily fatigue or develop headaches

• Girls outpace guys in development

• Guys experience changes in height and body shape; may develop body odour, body hair, and muscle mass

• Girls may develop body odour, body hair, and breasts; and menstruation is likely (10-16 years)

MENTALLY

• Capable of self-evaluation and self-critique

• Able to see two sides on an argument

• Enjoys forming and sharing their opinion

• Growing ability to organise

SOCIALLY

• Often interested in pop culture, slang, current events, or politics

• Wants to negotiate rules

• Displays an increasingly adult-like personality

• Needs non-parental adult influences

• More concerned about personal appearances than personal environment (the state of their locker or bedroom)

EMOTIONALLY

• Enjoys sarcasm and sophisticated jokes

• Often interested in leadership roles and teaching younger children

• May emphasise physical appearance and performance

• Tends to over-schedule their time

• Often feels more comfortable in their own skin