The American Academy of Pediatrics recognizes three stages of adolescence. These are early, middle and late adolescence, and each has its own developmental tasks. Teenagers move through these tasks at their own speed depending on their physical development and hormone levels. Although these stages are common to all teenagers, each child will go through them in her own highly individual ways.
Early Adolescence, Ages 12 to 13 Years
In early adolescence, huge hormonal and physical changes are taking place. Concerns of body image begin to come to the fore and the teenager may feel he will never be normal. A teenager will show a greater need for modesty and privacy as his body changes. A new curiosity about sexual matters begins.
Young adolescents now begin to pull away from family and parents and may turn to other adults for guidance. They may feel invincible and engage in high-risk behaviors. Tight relationships with same-sex peer groups are now the norm. They are often emotionally labile during this stage. Acting out increases with their lack of skills in handling new situations, and they rarely think beyond the present.
Middle Adolescence, Ages 14 to 16 Years
The adolescent's main task in middle adolescence is to separate from her parents. Teens at this stage often feel that parents are hindering their independence. Most of the bodily changes of puberty have been completed, but adolescents in this middle stage are still very concerned with body image and believe that others notice how they look as well. This is the age of experimentation with clothes, hair and new ways of being in an effort to find a satisfying physical self-image.
The teenager shows greater concern for sexuality and begins to think in terms of relationships. Sexual orientation may become an issue. Adolescents at this stage may still feel invincible, and there is a strong need for peer approval. They have a limited understanding of cause and effect.
Late Adolescence, Ages 17 to 21 Years
Only in late adolescence does intellectual, social and emotional development begin to catch up with physical growth. Physical development is almost complete, although males may still add to their height during this time. Teens are more stable emotionally and are less concerned about their bodies. Adolescents from 17 to 21 begin to think of serious relationships. They may also begin to look at their parents as friends again. Their value system is changing, and they have a greater ability to express ideas rather than to act out. They are now concerned about job and career choices. They are better able to make good decisions.
Shifting Sands
Individual teens can enter these three phases of adolescence at different ages, or be partially through one developmental phase while completing tasks in another phase. They can also regress, progress, and regress again as they learn and develop. The trick for parents is to provide consistent love and acceptance while being alert to your child's individual and fluid needs. Doing this is a real gauge of the parents' own ability to let their children become the individuals they were meant to be.
