While most parents try to keep general tabs on where their children are, offline and online, it can help to have a general understanding of areas in which you can expect to see signs of maturity.
Being an adult requires multiple forms of independence in a number of areas. For example, being able to build and maintain positive relationships, manage emotions, and eventually to economically support yourself, are areas in which you can expect to see maturation and change as young people move into adulthood
All people want to experience what it’s like to be really good at least one thing. Children will often work tirelessly on various projects just to start learning and practicing the skills they will need later. Confidence comes from discovering and developing natural talents and from working on skills that come less naturally.
Connectedness is feeling cared for and caring for others. We can be connected to individuals and to groups of people or places, like a school. Children and young people will often experience a sense of connectedness in several life areas – to a family or particular family members, one or more friends, school, clubs, even their borough, town or city. No matter what it seems like from the outside, people with low connectedness rarely thrive.
Usefulness is the experience of someone making a contribution to something in the world one values (people, groups, or causes). This can be as seemingly small as helping a friend with something important to her/him/them or as large as being part of a group where one has regular tasks and responsibilities. Experiencing oneself as useful can strengthen a sense of connectedness, confidence, and independence.
Give your child a guiding hand as they start their digital journey online with practical tips.
Help children deal with online issues and open up about their digital lives with these 4 simple tips.
See more advice and resources to help your child stay safe online.
