(HealthDay News) -- Cognitive development refers to fostering a person's ability to think and reason. In a child's case, it's an important part of his or her emotional and mental growth.

The Lucile-Packard Children's Hospital offers these suggestions to encourage your adolescent child's cognitive development:

  • Talk to your child about adult, complex topics such as politics, world issues and current events.
  • Encourage discussions where the child can express thoughts, ideas and opinions.
  • Encourage the child to develop personal goals, opinions and ideas.
  • Recognize and praise the child for making good, well-planned decisions, and help the child learn from mistakes.
  • Teach the child to think about and plan for the future, the possibilities that lie ahead, and how to best reach personal goals.