Parents are often worried or confused by changes in their teenagers. The following information should help parents understand this phase of development. Each teenager is an individual with a unique personality and special interests, likes and dislikes. However, there are also numerous developmental issues that everyone faces during the adolescent years. The normal feelings and behaviors of the middle school and early high school adolescent are described below.

Movement Towards Independence

Struggle with sense of identity
Feeling awkward or strange about one's self and one's body
Focus on self, alternating between high expectations and poor self- concept
Interests and clothing style influenced by peer group
Moodiness
Improved ability to use speech to express one's self
Realization that parents are not perfect; identification of their faults
Less overt affection shown to parents, with occasional rudeness
Complaints that parents interfere with independence
Tendency to return to childish behavior, particularly when stressed
Future Interests and Cognitive Changes

Mostly interested in present, limited thoughts of future
Intellectual interests expand and gain in importance
Greater ability to do work (physical, mental, emotional)
Sexuality

Display shyness, blushing, and modesty
Girls develop physically sooner than boys
Increased interest in the opposite sex
Movement toward heterosexuality with fears of homosexuality
Concerns regarding physical and sexual attractiveness to others
Frequently changing relationships
Worries about being normal
Morals, Values, and Self-Direction

Rule and limit testing
Capacity for abstract thought
Development of ideals and selection of role models
More consistent evidence of conscience
Experimentation with sex and drugs (cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana)
Teenagers do vary slightly from the above descriptions, but the feelings and behaviors are, in general, considered normal for each stage of adolescence.

© Copyright © 1997 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryAmerican Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)

Credits: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)