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Description
The teenagers growth and development refers to the change or growth that occurs during the period of time from 11-14 years of age and may extend to 16-17 years of age. This is a period of incredible growth that could not be compared to any other period except infancy. It is also a time of great emotional upheaval as both boys and girls go through the sexual and hormonal changes of puberty.
Statistical studies
show the following:
Girls and boys start puberty the same time their mothers and fathers did. Girls begin puberty before boys and so changes in their body appear first. On average it takes
approximately 3 - 3.5 years for a girl do go through the physical changes of puberty, but it can range from 2 - 6 years. African American girls tend to undergo the
pubertal changes earlier than Caucasian girls. On average it takes boys approximately 3.25 years to complete the changes of puberty but it can range from 2 - 4.25 years.
Signs and Symptoms
Physical Growth & Development
During
the period of adolescence there is a rapid
physical growth with both girls and boys
going through growth spurts, though girls
typically experience it two years earlier.
Boys
gain more in height than girls and their
weight gain is due to muscle development.
Girls on the other hand, gain weight due to
increase in body fat.
Boys
and girls also undergo physical changes due
to puberty and the direct cause is hormonal.
For Boys:
Penis
and testes grow and start producing sperm
while the scrotum becomes darker
Hair
grows in the underarms, pubic area and
facial.
Frequent
occurrence of wet dreams
Changes
in the voice as it gets deeper and often
cracks
High
incidence of acne as the skin and hair
become more oily
For Girls:
Body
fat increases causing weight gain
Breasts
begin to enlarge and hips tend to widen
Hair
growth in underarms and pubic area.
Menarche
the onset of the first menstrual period
occurs
High
incidence of acne as the skin and hair
become more oily
Emotional
Development
Erratic
mood changes are typical during the
adolescent years. Hypersensitivity to their
body image leads to self consciousness and
constant comparisons to their peers. Teens
often believe that they are constantly being
watched by people around them. This
obsession with the way they look can lead to
obsessive behaviors especially among girls
with some developing anorexia nervosa.
Peer
pressure is significant during this period
of time as the teen trying to assert their
independence tend to pull away from parents
and family and gravitate towards their
friends. However, due to their ever changing
emotional state, teens may at times become
clingy and needy.
It
is during this time that troubled teens
begin to act out their emotional pain by
acts of violence, use of drugs and other
harmful behavior.
As
they grow older, teens expand their social
relationships to include romantic liaisons.
They not only sexually mature physically but
emotionally and mentally. Their sexual
behaviors often are influenced and
attributed to their education and social and
media exposure.
Cognitive Development
Teens tend to develop advanced reasoning
skills, incorporating logic and hypothetical
scenarios. Though at the beginning of the
adolescent years, kids still think in
concrete terms as they grow and mature they
develop the ability to think in abstract
terms.
Teens have a unique thought process. They
believe that they are unique in their
emotions and experiences. They also tend to
be risk takers since they feel that immune
to any bad thing happening to them. Many of
them also tend to react to situations in
extreme for example becoming active in a
cause after seeing a touching movie about
that particular concept.
Questions to ask the
expert
How
many years do you have experience dealing
with teen agers
Is
your experience with the normally developed
child or those with deficits.
Can
you recommend peer groups that encourage
safe behavior
Do
you do career counseling
What
resources do you utilize in order to help
the teen undergoing identity crisis or
emotional turmoil
Certificates
and Licenses
References
General Tips
Provide
a private space for the teen
Parents
should allow open and honest discussions of
all topics including sexual changes and
behaviors. Teens are looking for information
and it is better from the parent than his
peers.
Communication
is key during this time with the parent
being careful to portray themselves and
supportive and guiding but not stifling the
teens need for independence.
Encourage
your teen to get involved with different
school and after school activities
Praise
and compliment your teen on all his
achievements thus boosting their self esteem
As
the teen grows older discuss with them about
their career goals and aspirations
Provide
for safety for your teen. Establish curfews
and other boundaries that allow for some
independence but maintain security and
structure.
Physically
encourage your teen to get enough sleep and
exercise regularly.
List of Products &
Services
Sofi
Kit Puberty Education Gift Bag
Books and Publications
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