ADOLESCENT

Adolesence(nt): can be said to be the transitional period of physical and psychological development between childhood and maturity. The period of adolesence, is usually considered to be between the ages of twelve to sixteen years in girls, and the age of thirteen to eighteen years in boys, it is one of the rapid physical and intellectual growth, when the boy or girl show's a certain degree of emotional instability. It may not necessary be a period of stress and strain, and indeed many children pass from childhood to adulthood with only the minimum of growing pains. There are othter, however, to whom this transition stage does bring trials and troubles.

   It is necessary that both the boys and the girls should be prepared to for the physical changes that are occuring in their bodies at this time and given the explanation for these changes. It is particularly important that the girls who are approaching their first menstrual period sgoush be prepared for this, otherwise the onset of menstruation can cause an appalling shock, and that boys should be prepared for nocturnal emissions.

   It is quite easy to tell when a girl child approaches the stage of puberty: she begins to develop breast,growing up hair under her arms and lower part of the body; then broadening of the hips and the general rounding of the body. When we notice these physical changes, then we should prepare the child for the onset of  menstruation.

   Many young girls resent rheit periods, taking the view that they are an unnecessary evil that women have put up with. This feelings is much less likely to be aroused if we tell them just what the menstrual period signifies. They should be made to realize that menstruation is a part of their growing stage and without it their creative capacity would never be developed or would they be able to enjoy the pleasure and chance of motherhood.

   The young girl child should be encouraged to be proud of the fact that she's growing up into motherhood now, instead of being allowed to regard the whole thing as a nuisance. If she's from a native tribe this period of her life would be made easier for her for it would be be accompanied by all sorts of ceremonies and rites, as she would be accorded the status and privilege of  the adulthood. As it is, while being treated as a school girl going through an Awkward stage, she has to submit to physical changes and growth in her body which makes her capable of motherhood.

   The girl child should never take her period for an illness, but taught to accept them as a perfect and normal, ordinary matter. In this aspect it is better to avoid the use of such expressions as being  'sick' , as they are inclined to make the child regard them as being a period of semi-invalidism. Although very violent exercise is better avoided during menstruation, a certain amount of exercise is beneficial and she should be encouraged to take it. The pains during period is frequently caused by rigidity of the muscles, her tummy when she goes to bed will often relief the pain by relaxing the muscles. Nevertheless, the occurrence of pain can can often be avoided by encouraging the child to lead a healthy outdoor life with sufficient exercise to build up her muscle-tone.

   Constipation may also be experienced during period and this is again is often a cause of painful periods. Medical paraffin will help to put this right, or if the child has regular periods, give her a mild relaxative the day before one is due.

   There is absolutely no reason why a girl should not continue to have baths during period, infact this practice has much to recommend it, as personal hygiene at this time it is most important. A daily bath should be taken is possible, but the water dhoushoul be too hot, nor should she remain in it too long.

   Bad habits of posture are often allowed to develop during the years, caused through unsuitable clothing. The dress which is tight that exposes or accentuates her developing figure will make her acutely self-conscious and embarrassed. She may be so aensisens of her appearance that she develops a posture most likely to conceal the source of her embarrassment: she rounds her shoulders, allows her chest sink in, and her arms hang forward instead of at her sides. If this posture is allowed to continue unchecked it will soon become habitual. Apart from this, tight clothing across the chest is harmful, all groeigr girls should have vest and bodices which are losse across the chest; dresses should fit snugly at the waist to detract from the ''lumpy'' look of their figures and be sufficiently long to make their colt- like legs more graceful.

   The boy child in the same way, should be given explanations of the changes taking place in their bodies. The sighs of the of the onset of puberty in boys are the broadening of the chest and shoulders, growth of the hair under the arms and the external sex organs and possibly the face; then the voice begins to go deepen and later "break", and the sex organs will enlarge.

   Just as the girl's child was explained we should explain yo the boy child about the development how it functions. In particular he should prepare for emissions at night and full explanations given why these occur, so that he'll realize they are nothing to be either ashamed or afraid of. In a normal healthy boy, who has sufficient exercise and outlets for his energy and a sensible healthy diet, this emissions shouldn't occur more than once in a fortnight or ten days.

   Both the boys and girls should be told something of the functions and traditions of their own sex. They should learn that men and women do much natural instincts in common, and they should understand that where there are differences, these are natural and even necessary to each sex's normal functions and should not therefore be despised.

   Besides both the boy child and the girl child should learn something of the functional differences in men and women: man inheriting through thousands of  generations the instincts and physique of the fighter, the heavy worker and above all the protector of the family, and the woman inheriting the same way the instincts for home making, and above all the instincts to bring new life into the world and to care, protect and nurture the young.

   This doesn't mean that the girl education should be solely directed to home-making. To be a good parent and exert a helpful influence on her children she needs to have a wide an education, experience and understanding as a man. But it is a great tragedy, and the cause of much unnecessary unhappiness, if, through being given a wrong and with a deep-rooted contempt  and dislike for her natural vocation.

   In the same way, the boy should be encouraged to respect girls and the part they will play in adulthood, and not taught to regard them as silly, frivolous and inferior creatures.

   Parents can, and often do, unconsciously influence their children's attitude towards the other sex. In households, boys will naturally grow up to think that they are very Superior beings indeed and that it is women's and main function to look after them. At the same time, girls are often encouraged to regard all biys as rather rough, untidy and uncouth creatures, and are given the impression that it is unladylike to show an interest in liking for their activities.

   It is sufficient, however, for only the mother to play the role of guide and companionship as well. In fact, I should say it is on her relationship with him, and on her knowledge of him, that she will base her attitude towards men in general. If her father is a rather remote and preoccupied being whose sole purpose in the household appears to be to provide food, clothing and shelter, it is not the happiest introduction to family relationships. Or he may treat her as a rather "below-par" citizen, something very sweet and pretty to be petted and spoiled, but naturally not to be taken very serious. "Why bother yourself with your examination?'' said one such father. "It won't be the slightest use to you a few years" time when you are married. You go and help and help your mother with the house and mending---that's of far greater importance.'

   The happiest and healthiest relationship is where the father really sincerely takes a keen interest in his daughter's activities, whether they are school work, sports, hobbies or a new dress. And where this is interesting is accompanied by real companionship and love, the girl will be helped to grow up with a frank , friendly and confident attitude to the opposite SEX

                                       Thanks