Developmental Tasks
- To create own personal identity based upon the integration of values and a sense of self in relation to society, others, the opposite sex, the future, vocation, ideas, and the cosmos.
Indicators Related to Developmental Lag
- Delays in physical and sexual development, depression, suicide attempts, sense of isolation, loneliness, impulsiveness, extreme rebellion, denial of feelings, poor hygiene, fantasy as an escape from problems, alcohol/drug abuse, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, obesity, sexual activity to provide missing nurturance, prostitution, stealing, pathological lying, psychosis, truancy, running away, pregnancy, juvenile delinquency.
Note: Although these tasks and indicators may be present during ages 12 to 19, each may be more observable at specific times.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Twelve to Fifteen Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Experiences sudden and rapid increases in height, weight, and strength with the onset of adolescence. |
Provide more food. |
| Girls are gradually reaching physical and sexual maturity. Boys are beginning to mature physically and sexually. |
Explain to child what is happening.
Discourage comparison with peers, but be aware of problems of late maturation. |
| Acne appears, especially with certain types of skin. |
May need special diet and/or medication to treat acne. Assure teen that it will clear up eventually. |
| Is concerned with appearance. |
Comment favorably on youth's concern with appearance. |
| Increased likelihood of acting on sexual desires. |
Provide accurate information on consequences of sexual activity. Discuss birth control and safe sex practices (HIV prevention). |
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Twelve to Fifteen Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Thrives on arguments and discussions. |
Don't let discussions become arguments; don't put down the youth's ideas. |
| Increasingly able to memorize; to think logically about concepts; to engage in introspection and probing into own thinking; to plan realistically for the future. |
Encourage exploration of thought and deed; provide books, library card, etc. |
| May read a great deal. |
Talk to youth about reading; offer suggested readings. |
| Needs to feel important in world and to believe in something |
Encourage youth to join causes, attend religious and community groups, etc. |
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Twelve to Fifteen Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Withdraws from parents, who are invariably called "old-fashioned." |
Don't feel hurt or take it personally. Remember you are still important, but not in the same way that you were. |
| Boys usually resist any show of affection. |
Respect boundaries but continue to be affectionate. |
| Usually feels parents are too restrictive; rebels. |
Set clear, firm, but flexible limits. |
| Needs less family companionship and interaction. |
Allow youth more opportunities for independent social activities. |
| Has less intense friendships with those of the same sex; usually has whole gang of friends. Girls show more interest in opposite sex than do boys. |
Don't criticize youth's need for friends or particular friends. |
| Annoyed by younger siblings. |
Accept youth's feelings and help younger siblings cope with rejection. |
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Twelve to Fifteen Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Commonly sulks; directs verbal anger at authority figure. |
Accept feelings and expect respect for your feelings as well. |
| Worries about grades, appearance, and popularity; is withdrawn, introspective. |
Don't dismiss youth's concerns; provide accurate feedback. |
MORAL DEVELOPMENT: Twelve to Fifteen Years
|
| Normal Characteristics |
Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Knows right and wrong; tries to weigh alternatives and arrive at decisions alone. |
Facilitate youth's decision making. |
| Is concerned about fair treatment of others; is usually reasonably thoughtful; is unlikely to lie. |
Demonstrate respect for youth as an emerging adult. |
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Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
photo by:
Wolfgang Staudt 
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