Independence
- Children of this age become aware of themselves and their peers.
- They seek to find their own identity and independence.
- As their coach, you have an obligation and responsibility to aid in teaching them the right things – that can be applied both in sport and in life.
- During the “PreTeen” years, there is a shift from the center of their home life to their peers.
- To be successful in this transition, children need to learn how to interpret others’ perspectives and emotions, determine their own point of view, thoughts, beliefs, and integrations.
- They must learn to successfully share space with others, regulate their own reactions, and adapt to various environments.
- They must develop their own social cognition to successfully navigate social interactions, and learn to relate to the world, other people, and experiences as an individual. To do this they need interpersonal skills, problem solving skills, conflict resolution skills, and survival skills. Whew!
- Although they want independence (mainly from home life and their parents), they seek group membership at almost any cost, including acting cruelly to others outside the group. Be mindful of peer-pressure and bullying.
- Increased pressures at school and within peer groups, along with confusion and anxiety over puberty, are often cited reasons for the increased emotionality in young teens
- During classes, allow them to express their independence.
- Give them some freedom to help with decision making, choices, working independently. Let them know you are happy to follow these guidelines, but as soon as someone breaks the boundaries that you can revert back to less independence for them.