Chapter 1 Learning About You 43
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No one else is exactly like you. Your personality and physical traits make
you unique. As you grow from a child into an adult, your personality develops
and changes. You grow physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. This
time is called adolescence. During this time, you also learn to become more
independent from adults.
As you grow and develop, your family supports you. Family members
need to talk with one another about their feelings. Families can be of many
different sizes and include many different members. Family types describe the
makeup of a family.
Friends are also part of your support system. You can laugh and have
fun with your friends. You can care about, trust, and respect your friends. Your
peers can make you feel like you belong. Being open and friendly helps you
make new friends and get along with your peers.
Your relationships with your family and friends depend on how well you
communicate. Communication can be verbal and nonverbal.
Having good communication skills means letting people know how you
really feel. This is both important and healthy.
Confl ict resolution is the process of fi nding a solution to a disagreement.
Confl icts often occur with family members and friends. Communication skills
help resolve confl icts. A mediator may propose a compromise. A family council
meeting may help resolve issues concerning family members.
Chapter Summary Chapter Summary
Section Section S c t SSummaryyrammu S S y
• All families have problems.
• Family members often see the same challenge differently. They need
to talk so they understand one another. This can help them solve the
challenge together.
• A family council is useful in resolving issues.
• Confl ict resolution is the process of fi nding a solution to a disagreement.
• A mediator may suggest a solution through compromise.
• Sometimes a family is faced with a crisis. The family can seek help from
community resources. These include family counseling agencies, shelters,
hotlines, and support groups.