Early Adolescents

The early years of adolescence are confusing and difficult for both parent and child but there is always ‘light at the end of the tunnel’. Here are a few key characteristics of the ‘early adolescent.

1. Even the most rebellious teenager will usually return to the values their parents brought them up with.

2. They love their parents and still strive fro their approval but parents don’t necessarily figure in a new and highly social world.

3. Social life is the most important part of their lives but sport, hobbies and other interests still have a place.

4. Modern teenagers, believe it or not, are unbelievable ‘multi-taskers’. They can text message, talk on the phone, send an email and be on facebook or myspace all at once (usually while also doing homework).

5. A teenager can be an amazing paradox. Their hormones and physical growth mean that they can act like children one moment and like adults the next.

6. Their brain development and neurochemistry can also lead to disorganised and erratic and emotional behaviour.

7. Teenagers need an appropriate mix of boundaries and space.

8. Want to be accepted and one of their greatest fears is being excluded from the peer-group.

9. Peer pressure is a very powerful force in an adolescents life. Parents need to keep a close (but not smothering) eye on the choices that their teenager makes.

10. Teenagers need good adult role models that they can relate to.

11. Teenagers need someone responsible and trustworthy to discuss sensitive issues such as sexuality and physical and emotional changes with.