Lesson 20 : Housing Environment for Special Needs - Youth
Needs
Privacy
Space to study and store school books.
Grooming area.
Some choice, ownership and control of their space and belongings.
A place to be with friends.
Teenagers need their own spaces to store stuff and be alone. Respecting a teen's need for privacy does not mean parents don't provide supervision and guidance, or intervene when they suspect drug abuse or other destructive or unhealthy behaviors.
Teens like to choose how to decorate or rearrange their room to reflect their tastes and needs. They often like to hang posters, notes from friends and memorabilia on walls. Provide them with a bulletin board or an acceptable way to hang art and posters without destroying the walls and your patience. Teens can develop a sense of pride, independence and responsibility when they are allowed to make decision about their room, or their part of a shared room.
Personal grooming is important to teens. A full-length mirror and storage space for grooming articles will make the morning less hectic for teens and the rest of the family.
There is no one formula for designing spaces for youth. But by taking into account the needs of them and available resources, families can encourage desired behaviors, foster learning, skill development, responsibility and prevent potential conflicts
Participants