Teen Development

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Teen development is important because it involves social, emotional, mental, and physical changes. Many of these changes happen during puberty where a teenager becomes mature sexually. Puberty occurs between 10 to 14 years old for girls and 12 to 16 years old for boys. When a teenager’s body changes, he will surely have many questions regarding sexual health.

Noticeable changes during puberty include development of one’s unique opinions and personality as well as being influenced greatly by peers. Teenagers also start to establish their independence from their parents as well as increased ability to differentiate right and wrong. They are also more concerned about their clothes and body image. Teenagers may be overwhelmed by these changes thus they may experience moodiness or sadness which is just normal. However, if they feel worthless, hopeless, or very sad then they have a mental health problem. Teenagers who experience these feelings must be guided by a health care provider, school counselor, or their parents.

During puberty, drastic changes occur to girls and boys. These changes are primarily hormone-driven thus; growth spurts can easily transform these teenagers into mature teenagers physically. Teenagers who are in the puberty stage must be provided some physical activities, a well-balanced diet, as well as healthy eating habits so that they will continuously grow and develop.

For teenage girls, they can expect their hips to be rounded and their breasts to develop. They will also increase in height and pubic hair will start to grow at least 6 months after the commencement of breast development. The vagina, uterus, clitoris, and labia will also increase in size. Menstruation will also commence.

For teenage boys, physical changes can occur as early as 10 years old but they will have the most growth from 12 to 15 years old. The testicles and penis will also increase in size as well as pubic hair, facial hair and underarm hair will appear. They can expect their voice to break or crack as it deepens. The larynx cartilage or the Adam’s apple will also grow. Testicles will start to produce sperm.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/teendevelopment.html

Is My Teen Using Drugs? How Parents Can Know(parentingteens.about.com)
Brain Matures with Puberty in Teens(psychcentral.com)
What Fifth Graders Want to Know About Sex and Puberty(my.psychologytoday.com)
Starting puberty very early carries risks of psychological problems, suggests new review(eurekalert.org)
10 Safety Tips for Teen Travelers(rescueyouth.com)
Teen Girls’ Guide to Teen Boys: Changes During Puberty(children.webmd.com)
5 Things You Need to Know about Teen Pregnancy in the US(rescueyouth.com)
When Does Sexual Maturity Arrive?(psychcentral.com)
Are girls maturing and going through puberty too young these days?(kssunews.wordpress.com)

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One Response to Teen Development

ryan@H Miracle Review says:

June 10, 2012 at 4:35 pm

Tips for Parents

Preteens and teens are sometimes embarrassed by their changing bodies and concerned that they are not developing at the same rate as their friends. Reassure your child that young people grow and develop at their own pace and that the changes are normal.
Do not tease your child about pubertal changes.
Explain the importance of good personal hygiene. Active sweat glands call for regular bathing and deodorant. For healthy teeth, everyone should brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Set reasonable and appropriate limits. Preteens and teens want guidance.
When differences arise, listen to your child and try to understand his or her point of view.
Choose your battles! Hold your ground on important issues such as grades and drugs, and let go of smaller issues such as hairstyles and clothes. If it won’t matter a year from now, is it worth arguing over?
Allow your preteen or teen to make more decisions as he or she proves the ability to use good judgment.
If your child is acting out, talk with him or her to get to the heart of the problem.
Get counseling for your child or the whole family if you believe it could help.
Talk with other parents about your concerns, their parenting experiences, setting limits, etc.

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