Human Growth & Development Chapter 4 Section 2

When faced with important issues, it helps to follow the problem, solving process Tips to use problem solving process effectively Doesn’t have to be followed in sequential order Evaluate your resources Identify the consequences, or results, of an action (think long term as well) Remember to think about the consequence for people other than yourself Choose an alternative that works with your values Ask yourself basic questions when evaluating how you solve problems Evaluate results to help improve your problem solving skills

1.Recognize the problem 2.Gather and evaluate information about the problem 3.Consider alternatives and their consequences 4.Choose the best alternative 5.Plan a course of action and act 6.Evaluate the action and how you choose it

Problem solving process can help you with difficult decisions such as sexuality Choosing to be sexually active affects more than just the two teens involved It can be helpful to discuss decisions with other people

When you consider the consequences of sexual activity, think about the information in the previous section and the video we watched Think about the emotional impact How will you feel about yourself after It is important to be hard-headed and clear- eyed when thinking about consequences

“It can’t happen to me” The threat of STDs are VERY real There is only one guaranteed way to avoid consequences and that is by abstaining It is not reasonable to expect someone to make the decision to abstain in a moment of passion Make the decision ahead of time Once you have made the decision, stick to it

Sometimes teens get pregnant Often teens have trouble believing and acknowledging the symptoms of pregnancy Teens who are sexually active need to be aware of the symptoms of pregnancy If you or someone you know suspect pregnancy, talk to someone Once pregnancy has been confirmed, a teen can begin to decide what to do

Single Parenthood Marriage Adoption

It can be rewarding to care for someone who is helpless and dependent Single parents face special challenges because they take on ALONE complete responsibility for their child All household chores Financial obligations Many teen parents suffer from burnout or depression Need to be as realistic as possible when it comes to deciding how much help they will get

Prospect of getting married is exciting Strains of responsibility set in early Can feel socially isolated Marriage does have benefits Sharing the load of child care lessens the work for each Build a caring home Strong & rewarding relationship

Alternative for pregnant teens The birth mother and father give up their rights and responsibilities for raising the child and another family accepts them Opportunity to give a child more care, guidance, love then they can provide them with at the current time Adoption should be carried out by professional who carefully screen prospective parents Closed Adoption: birth parents don’t know the names of the adoptive parents Open adoption: birth parents are told about the adopting parents and may even get to meet them

Sometimes difficulties develop in pregnancy Growth stops, the baby dies, and the mother’s body expels it from the uterus Usually happens within the first 20 weeks This process is called a miscarriage Anyone who suspects they have a miscarriage or are having a miscarriage should contact a Dr. immediately