Adolescent development -An insight to complex process for parents
Adolescence is a time of rapid biological, psychological, cognitive, emotional and social change. Young people’s relationships with school staff, parents and other adults may change during adolescence, but these relationships are still fundamental to positive development.
We at Thechildplus believe that it is the most important period that makes the perceptions and thoughts of the future life. Here we try to simplify what changes an adolescent goes through so that can help you for your children.
Adolescence is often considered a bridge between childhood and adulthood. It is a time where a number of significant changes occur in a relatively short period of time.
We describe development of an adolescent using three important criteria. Understanding them will lead to better understanding of your teen.
| Stages of Adolescence | Physical Development | Cognitive Development | Social-Emotional Development |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Adolescence Approximately 11-13 Years of Age | Puberty: grow body hair, increase perspiration and oil production in hair and skin. | Growing capacity for abstract thought. Mostly interested in present with limited though to the future intellectual interests expand and become more important. Deeper moral thinking. | Struggle with sense of identity Feel awkward about one’s self and body; worry about being normal Realize that parents are not perfect; increased conflict with parents Increased influence of peer group |
| Middle Adolescence Approximately 14-18 Years of Age | Puberty is completed Physical growth slow for girls, continues for boys | Continued growth of capacity for abstract thought Greater capacity for setting goals Interest in moral reasoning Thinking about the meaning of life | Desire for independence Moodiness Intense self- involvement, changing between high expectations and poor self-concept Continued adjustment to changing body, worries about being normal Tendency to distance selves from parents, continued drive for independence |
| Late Adolescence Approximately 19-21 Years of Age | Young women, typically, are fully developed Young men continue to gain height, weight, muscle mass, and body hair | Ability to think ideas through Ability to delay gratification Examination of inner experiences Increased concern for future Continued interest in moral reasoning | Firmer sense of identify Increased emotional stability Increased concern for others Increased independence and self-reliance Peer relationships remain important Development of more serious relationships |
What we can do at TheChildPlus- Holistic Pediatrics?
We can help you to solve your problems for your teens. Feel free to visit us. We are happy to help.
Aditi Gupta is Parenting expert and Couseller.
