Young Teens (12-14 years of age)

Developmental Milestones

This is probably the most difficult time for young children as they move to puberty and they go through many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. Basically, it starts with hormones change as puberty begins. Most boys will starting growing facial and pubic hair and their voices deepen. Most girls will start growing pubic hair and breasts, and start their period. Most likely they might be worried about these changes and how they are looked at by their peers. This also will be a time when teens might face peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs, and introduced to the idea of sex. Other and very equally challenges can be eating disorders, depression, family problems, self-image issues etc. At this age, teens make more of their own choices about friends, sports, studying, and school. They become more independent, with their own personality and interests, although guidance from parents is still very important.

Here is some information on how young teens develop:

Emotional/Social Changes

Children in this age group might:

• Show extra or too much concern about body image, looks, and clothes.

• Focus A LOT on themselves; going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence.

• Experience much more moodiness.

• Show more interest in and influence by peer group or groups.

• Express less affection toward parents; often times might seem rude or short-tempered.

• Feel stress from more challenging school work.

• Develop eating problems, both overeating or no eating at all.

• Feel a lot of sadness or depression, which can lead to poor grades at school, alcohol or drug use, unsafe sex, and other problems.

Thinking and Learning

Children in this age group might:

• Have more ability for complex thought.

• Be better able to express feelings through talking.

• Develop a stronger sense of right and wrong.

Positive Parenting Tips

Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your child during this time:

• Be honest and direct with your teen when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking, and sex.

• Meet and get to know his/her friends.

• Show an interest in their school life.

• Help your teen make healthy choices while encouraging him to make his own decisions.

• Respect your teen’s opinions and take into account her thoughts and feelings. It is important that she knows you are listening to her.

• When there is a conflict, be clear about goals and expectations (like getting good grades, keeping things clean, and showing respect), but allow your teen input on how to reach those goals (like when and how to study or clean).

Healthy Bodies

• Encourage them to be physically active, perhaps even join them for a walk. They might join a team sport or take up an individual sport. Helping with household tasks such as washing the dishes, laundry, will keep them active.

• Meal time is very important for families. Eating together helps them make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives you time to talk with each other.

• Keep television and tablets sets out of the bedroom. Set limits for screen time, including cell phones, computers, video games, and other devices, and develop a family media plan.

• Make sure your child gets the recommended amount of sleep each night: For teenagers 13-18 years, 8–10 hours per 24 hours (including naps).

• They might even sleep for over 12 hours. This is completely normal.