Healthyvives Health Blog

Definition of Adolescent development:
The development of children ages 12 through 18 years old is expected to include predictable
Physical and mental milestones.
During adolescence, children develop the ability to:
* Comprehend abstract content, such as higher mathematic concepts, and develop moral
Philosophies, including rights and privileges
* Question old values without a sense of dread or loss of identity
* Move gradually towards a more mature sense of identity and purpose
* Establish and maintain satisfying personal relationships by learning to share intimacy
Without inhibition or dread
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Adolescence is characterized by dramatic physical changes moving the individual from
Childhood into physical maturity. Early, prepubescent changes are noted with the
Appearance of secondary sexual characteristics.
This typically occurs between the ages of 13 and 17 years, with the average at about 14.5
Years. Voice change in the male typic ally occurs parallel to penile growth, and the
Occurrence of nocturnal emissions occurs with the peak of the height spurt.
BEHAVIOR
The sudden and rapid physical changes that adolescents experience typically lend this
period of development to be one of self-consciousness, sensitivity and concern over one’s
own body changes, and excruciating comparisons between oneself and peers.
Because physical changes may not occur in a smooth, regular schedule, adolescents may
go through stages of awkwardness, both in terms of appearance and phys ical mobility and
coordination. Unnecessary anxieties may arise if adolescent girls are not informed and
prepared for the menarche (the onset of menstrual periods), or if adolescent males are not
provided accurate information about nocturnal emissions.
As adolescents pull away from parents in a search for identity, the peer group takes on a
special significance. It may become a safe haven, in which the adolescent can test new
ideas and compare physical and psychological growth.

In early adolescence, the peer group usually consists of non-romantic friendships, often
including “cliques,” gangs, or clubs. Members of the peer group often attempt to behave
alike, dress alike, have secret codes or rituals, and participate in the same activities. As the
youth moves into mid-adolescence (14 to 16 years) and beyond, the peer group expands to
include romantic friendships.
Mid-to-late adolescence is characterized by a need to establish sexual identity through
becoming comfortable with one’s own body and sexual feelings. Through romantic
friendships, dating, and experimentation, adolescents learn to express and receive intimate
or sexual advances in a comfortable manner that is consistent with internalized values.
Young people who do not have the opportunity for such experiences may demonstrate
difficulty in establishing intimate relationships into adulthood.
Adolescents typically demonstrate behaviors consistent with several myths of adolescence:
SAFETY
Adolescent safety issues stem from increased strength and agility that may develop before
optimal decision-making skills develop. A strong need for peer approval, coupled with the
myths of adolescence, may entice a young person to attempt hazardous feats, or participate
in a variety of risk-taking behaviors.
Adolescents pursuing recreational athletic activities should be taught to use adequate
equipment, protective gear or clothing, safe facilities, proper rules of safe play, and rational
approaches to activities requiring advanced skill levels.
Young people need to be acutely aware of the potential dangers — including sudden death –
which may occur not only with regular substance abuse, but even experimental use of drugs
and alcohol.
If adolescents appear to be isolated from peers, disinterested in school or social activities, or
deteriorating in performance at school, work, or sports — psychological evaluation may be
necessary.
Many adolescents are at increased risk for depression and potential suicide attempts, due to
pressures and conflicts that may arise within families, school or social organizations, and
intimate relationships.
PARENTING TIPS
Adolescents usually require privacy in which to contemplate changes taking place within
their own bodies. Ideally, the youth should be allowed to have a bedroom. If this is not
possible, some private space should be allotted.

Teasing an adolescent child about physical changes is inappropriate, because it may cause
self-consciousness and embarrassment.
Parents need to remember that the adolescent’s interest in body changes and sexual topics
is natural, normal development and does not necessarily indicate movement into sexual
activity.
Parents must take care not to label emerging instinct and behaviors as wrong, “sick”, or
immoral. Adolescents may exper iment with or consider a wide range of sexual orientations
or behaviors prior to feeling comfortable with their own sexual identity.
The teenager’s quest for independence is normal development and need not be looked
upon by the parent as rejection or a loss of control. To be of most benefit to the growing
adolescent, a parent needs to be a constant and consistent figure, available as a sounding
board for the youth’s ideas without dominating or overtaking the emerging, independent
identity of the young person.
Despite adolescents constantly challenging authority figures, they need or want limit-setting,
as it provides a safe boundary in which to grow and function. Limit-setting refers to
predetermined and negotiated rules and regulations regarding behavior.
Parents should be pr epared for and recognize that there are common conflicts that may
develop while parenting adolescents. The experience may be influenced by unresolved
issues from a parent’s own childhood, as well as unresolved issues from the adolescent’s
earlier years.
Parents can anticipate their authority to be repeatedly challenged, as children enter and
move through their adolescent years. Maintaining open lines of communication and clear,
yet negotiable, limits or boundaries may prove useful in minimizing major conflicts.
Most parents report a sense of increased wisdom and self-growth as they rise to the
challenges of parenting adolescents.