Child Development Guide: 16-19 Years
Source: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Topics: Teen Years (13-19), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 13-18)
Topics: Teen Years (13-19), All Developmental Milestones (Ages 13-18)
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, vocations, ideas, and the cosmos. To establish independence from the family.
Indicators Related to Developmental Lag
- Depression, suicide attempts, sense of isolation, loneliness, impulsiveness, extreme rebellion, denial of feelings, poor hygiene, fantasy as an escape from problems, drug/alcohol abuse, anorexia, bulimia, obesity, sexual activity to provide missing nurturance, prostitution, stealing, pathological lying, psychosis, fire-setting, violent assault, truancy, running away, pregnancy, juvenile delinquency, cults, early marriages that are likely to fail, hatred and rejection of family.
Note: Although these tasks and indicators may be present during ages 16 to 19, each may be more observable at specific times.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT: Sixteen to Nineteen Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Has essentially completed physical maturation; physical features are shaped and defined. | Recognize and compliment physical maturity. |
| Probability of acting on sexual desires increases. | Provide accurate information on consequences of sexual activity, discuss birth control and HIV prevention. |
| Physical Development for Twelve to Fifteen Years | |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT: Sixteen to Nineteen Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| May lack information or self-assurance about personal skills and abilities. | Facilitate appointment with school counselor. |
| Seriously concerned about the future; beginning to integrate knowledge leading to decisions about future. | Encourage talking about and planning for future. |
| Intellectual Development for Twelve to Fifteen Years | |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT: Sixteen to Nineteen Years |
|
| Normal Characteristics | Suggested Behaviors for Effective Parenting |
| Relationships with parents range from friendly to hostile. | Try to maintain good relationship; be respectful and friendly. |
| Sometimes feels that parents are "too interested." | Try not to pry. |
| Usually has many friends and few confidants; dates actively; varies greatly in level of maturity; may be uncomfortable, or enjoy activities, with opposite sex; may talk of marriage. | Recognize and accept current level of interest in opposite sex. Encourage experiences with a variety of people, e.g., younger, older, different cultures. |
| May be strongly invested in a single, romantic relationship. | Avoid disapproval; discuss needs and expectations that get met in the relationship. |
| Social Development for Twelve to Fifteen Years | |
| Return to Using the Child Development Guide |
-
1
- 2
Reprinted with the permission of the Department of Social and Health Services.
Take Action
- this article with friends and family.
- Have a question about Teen Years (13-19)? Ask it here.
- Publish your work on education.com.
