Week 6 -

       I like that we are getting farther in the book now, because I feel like more and more I can relate to what I am reading, which makes it a lot easier to read and retain the information. The earlier stuff we learned is all very interesting, but it's refreshing to read things that you remember happening to you, and that you can relate to. It makes you feel like your not the only one with those problems. It was fascinating to hear about all of the things that can cause puberty to happen early. Ex: The environment, media, chemicals, and obesity were all mentioned.

       After watching the video of 'Advertising's Image of Women.' Advertisements, TV shows, movies, social media, all define beauty in the same way that can often have a unhealthy (mental and physical) influence on young girls. Stereotypes are also developed and change over time and they outline what society expects of people no matter how ridiculous they can be. Although, I don’t think that the media is all of the problem. Yes, the media glamorizes models, and teen girls feel that to compete in today's world, they have to be the size of models. If they aren't, this lowers their selfesteem. I believe other factors play a more important role in this situation. to give a few examples… peer pressure, family life, education level, boyfriends or the society in which they live. Yes, media can have some influence on the self-esteem of young people, but I believe that the determining factors in the development of selfesteem in the younger generation are more closely related to the home environment they are in, and also the child's upbringing. Parents should teach their kids that it is best to be an individual even if it means being different. What I mean by this is that a child will learn his or her own value by the example that his or her parent portray for them and by the love and value they receive from their parents.

       Anyway, I did enjoy the article "Inside the teen brain". The part about sleep was particularly interesting, because I have suffered with sleep problems for years. Nothing that I need to see a doctor for or anything, but basically everything they are describing in the article. Overall, this is going to be a very busy week for me, therefore, I wanted to get going on my blog and get a head start. I really do like psychology, and enjoying this course. Everyone always has really thoughtful things to say each week, and I enjoy reading everyone's opinions. Have a great week everyone, and Happy Mother's Day to all the moms ;)  Enjoy!