When is a child an adolescent

The teenage years bring many changes, not only physically, but also mentally and socially. During these years, adolescents increase their ability to think abstractly and eventually make plans and set long-term goals. Each child may progress at a different rate and may have a different view of the world.

In general, the following are some of the abilities that may be evident in your adolescent:. As your adolescent begins to struggle for independence and control, many changes may happen. The following are some of the issues that may be involved with your adolescent during these years:. Encourage your adolescent to talk to a trusted adult about problems or concerns, even if it is not you he or she chooses to talk with. Health Home Wellness and Prevention.

What changes will happen during puberty? While each male adolescent is different, the following are average ages when puberty changes may happen: Beginning of puberty: 9. The following are average ages when puberty changes may happen: Beginning of puberty: 8 to 13 years First pubertal change: breast development Pubic hair development: shortly after breast development Hair under the arms: 12 years old Menstrual periods: 10 to The following is a brief overview of the changes that happen: In boys, the initial puberty change is the enlargement of the scrotum and testes.

What does my adolescent understand? In general, the following are some of the abilities that may be evident in your adolescent: Develops the ability to think abstractly Is concerned with philosophy, politics, and social issues Thinks long-term Sets goals Compares one's self to one's peers As your adolescent begins to struggle for independence and control, many changes may happen. The following are some of the issues that may be involved with your adolescent during these years: Wants independence from parents Peer influence and acceptance becomes very important Romantic and sexual relationships become important May be in love Has long-term commitment in relationship How to assist your adolescent in developing socially Consider the following as ways to foster your adolescent's social abilities: Encourage your adolescent to take on new challenges.

Talk with your adolescent about not losing sight of one's self in group relations. Discuss ways to manage and handle stress. Leave room for questions and allow children to ask them at their own pace. Talk to your pediatrician when needed! Start early conversations about other important topics. Maintain open communication about healthy relationships , sex , sexuality, consent, and safety such as how to prevent sexually transmitted infection and pregnancy , and substance use.

Starting these conversations during early adolescence will help build a good framework for discussions later. Keep conversations with your child positive. Point out strengths. Celebrate successes. Be supportive and set clear limits with high but reasonable expectations.

Communicate clear, reasonable expectations for curfews, school engagement, media use , and behavior, for example. At the same time, gradually expanding opportunities for more independence over time as your child takes on responsibility. Youth with parents that aim for this balance have been shown to have lower rates of depression and drug use.

Discuss risky behaviors such as sexual activity and substance use and their consequences. Be sure to set a positive example yourself. This can help teens consider or rehearse decision-making ahead of time and prepare for when situations arise. Honor independence and individuality. This is all part of moving into early adulthood. Always remind your child you are there to help when needed. The adolescent years can feel like riding a roller coaster.

By maintaining positive and respectful parent-child relationships during this period, your family can try to enjoy the ride! Ages and Stages: Puberty. What is an Adolescent Health Specialist? Concerns Girls Have About Puberty. Concerns Boys Have About Puberty. Brittany Allen, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatrician and provides specialty care to transgender and gender nonconforming youth.

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Tips and information especially for teens and designed with input from teens. Body and Mind is a website designed for kids 9 through 13 years of age, to give them the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices. My Plate — Teen external icon The U.

Department of Agriculture provides information on health and nutrition for teens. National Institute of Mental Health external icon The National Institute of Mental Health has information on mental disorders affecting children and adolescents, including anxiety and depression.

Teens Health external icon Visit this site for information on healthy eating and exercise for children and teenagers. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Child Development. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Teenagers years of age. Minus Related Pages. Positive Parenting Tip Sheet.