Teen Milestones and Parenting Tips


Teens can bring both joy and frustration to parents. There can be many reasons for immense pride in how your child is growing up and accomplish goals, but there are bound to be a few struggles along the way. 


It might be academic challenges, risky behaviours, or straight-up rudeness, and none of that is easy to deal with. However, parents might also enjoy seeing their teens land the starring role in a musical, be a star sports team, get a driver’s license, it is all about balancing and remembering both the challenges and the bliss of parenting a teen. 


PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT


Key Milestones:


  • The need for sleep increases and the times change, given a teenager’s biological wiring for staying up and waking up later.
  • Boys continue to grow and mature physically, sprouting facial hair.
  • Both genders, but particularly girls, are consumed with looks and fitting in.


Parenting Tip: Your teenager’s future is right around the corner, whether it involves college, university, a job, or otherwise. Talk about expectations, risks, and opportunities without shying away from tough topics such as drugs, alcohol, and sex. Make your stance on issues known by saying things like, “I expect you will call me to pick you up if there is drinking at the party.” 


EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT


Key Milestones:


  • Concern about physical development and looks.
  • Shows more independence but also engages in less conflict with parents.
  • Goes through periods of sadness.


Parenting Tip: Teens are quick to tell parents that they are not needed, but that could not be further from the truth. Continue to strengthen your relationship with your teenager by showing interest in their life and praising accomplishments. Let your teen fail sometimes but make sure they have the skills they need to handle the discomfort that comes with failure. 


SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT


Key Milestones:


  • Enters deeper platonic or romantic relationships in search of intimacy.
  • Shows signs of confidence and increased resistance to peer pressure.
  • Becomes aware of sexual orientation.


Parenting Tip: Talk to your teen about the pressure to have sex, needless of gender. Forbidding a romantic relationship or burying your head in the sand as to your child’s sexual growth could end up backfiring. Instead, make your expectations known and talk openly about sexual desire and safety.


COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT


Key Milestones:


  • Change in language and behaviours between school, home, and other settings.
  • Exhibits defined work habits.
  • Can explain the rationale behind their thoughts or decisions.


Parenting Tip: Help your child plan for life after high school. There isn’t one set path that is the best for a teenager, but your child might need assistance in exploring all the options, including understanding the complex nature of both going to a tertiary institution and not, and how it will affect their future.


Provide support and guidance but do not do too much for your child. It is important that they learn valuable life skills while they are still living under your watchful eye.






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