Young Teens (12-14 years of age)

Parents are still very important, even though teenagers become more independent with their own interests and personalities. During this age, teens make more choices about school, studying, sports, and friends. They may also face challenges such as family problems, depression, and eating disorders. This is also a time when teens might feel pressure to engage in sexual activities, use drugs, tobacco, and alcohol due to peer influence. Parents might be worried about how their teens are perceived by others and these changes. Most girls start their period and experience breast development and pubic hair growth. Most boys experience their voices deepening and the growth of pubic, facial, and body hair. Puberty is a time of many social, emotional, mental, and physical changes.

Here is some information on the development of young teenagers:

Emotional/Social Changes

Children in this particular age bracket might:

  • Pay more attention to body image, appearance, and attire.
  • They focus on themselves, oscillating between high expectations and a lack of confidence.
  • Feel a wider range of emotions.
  • Display greater enthusiasm and impact from peer group.
  • Show less love towards parents; occasionally may appear impolite or easily irritated.
  • Experience pressure from increasingly demanding academic assignments.
  • Develop dietary issues.
  • Experiencing difficulties with unsafe sexual behavior, substance abuse involving drugs or alcohol, and performing poorly in school can contribute to feelings of depression or intense sadness.
  • Thinking and Learning

    Children in this particular age bracket might:

  • Possess greater capacity for intricate thinking.
  • Improve your ability to articulate emotions through verbal communication.
  • Cultivate a more robust understanding of morality and ethics.
  • Positive Parenting Tips

    Following are some things you, as a parent, can do to help your child during this time:
  • Be truthful and straightforward with your teenager when discussing delicate topics like narcotics, alcohol, tobacco, and sexuality.
  • Meet and become acquainted with your teenager’s companions.
  • Demonstrate curiosity about your teenager’s academic life.
  • Assist your teenager in making wise decisions while also empowering them to take responsibility for their own choices.
  • It is important that you respect the feelings, thoughts, and opinions of the teen whose account she is sharing. She knows that you are listening to her.
  • When conflicts arise, it is important to allow your teenager to have a say in how they can achieve their goals, such as determining the appropriate time and method for studying or cleaning. However, it is crucial to establish clear goals and expectations, such as maintaining good academic performance, cleanliness, and displaying respectful behavior.
  • Child Safety First

    Safeguard your child with some suggestions. Regardless of their age, you have a crucial part in ensuring their safety.

  • Make sure your teen knows the importance of wearing seatbelts. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among 12- to 14-year-olds.
  • Sports and other activities often lead to injuries. To ensure safety, it is important to wear a helmet while engaging in contact sports or using equipment such as inline skates, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, motorcycles, bikes, or skateboards.
  • She candidly questions her response, expressing curiosity about what she wants to hear. He encourages you to share your emotions and thoughts, and asks her about his beliefs and knowledge. He is aware of and understands the hazards of engaging in risky sexual behavior, as well as the dangers associated with smoking, drinking, and drug use. He is knowledgeable about the topics and is prepared to discuss them with your teenage child.
  • Discuss the significance of engaging in activities with your teenage friend who is interested in positive pursuits. Encourage her to avoid peers who exert pressure on her to make unhealthy choices.
  • Where can you find him and what time do you expect him? He will call you to make plans when he is available. Do you know where your teenager is and where the adult is present?
  • Set clear rules for your teenage child when they are alone at home, discussing issues such as completing household tasks or homework, handling dangerous situations involving sex, drugs, fire, emergencies, and having friends over at the house.
  • Healthy Bodies

  • Encourage your active teenager to help with household tasks such as washing the car, walking the dog, and mowing the lawn. She might also consider taking up an individual sport or joining a sports team to stay physically active.
  • Coming together as a family for a meal is a very important time. Eating meals together helps teens make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives family members time to talk with each other.
  • Keep the television sets out of your teen’s bedroom to set limits on screen time for developing a healthy media consumption habit. This includes limiting the use of other devices such as computers, cell phones, and video games.
  • Teenagers aged 13-18 should aim to sleep for 8-10 hours each night, including naps, within a 24-hour period. It is important to ensure that your child receives the suggested quantity of sleep.
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