When the transitional age begins and how to behave with a child

What age is considered transitional

The transitional age, or adolescence, is a long and difficult stage in the transformation of a child into an adult. WHO classifies Adolescence as adolescents, children and young adults 10 to 19 years old. The transitional age covers the period of puberty, or puberty, but is not limited to it. After all, a person must grow up not only physically, but also psychologically, and this takes more time.

The transition from childhood to adulthood is divided into three stages of Adolescent Development: early, middle, and late.

Early adolescence: 10-14 years

In children, puberty begins, which is accompanied by intense physical growth and the development of sexual characteristics. In girls, hormonal changes are triggered by PUBERTY 1-2 years earlier than in boys, and last an average of 3 years, while in their classmates - 4. The key here is on average. Normally, the process takes 2 to 6 years.

How to understand Earlier Puberty: Age 9 or 10 for Average U. S. Boy, that the child is entering puberty? In girls, first of all, the chest swells, a little later menstruation occurs. Boys have enlarged testes. Both have Why is puberty starting younger? first pubic hairs.

In early adolescence, children live for today. They do not yet know how to establish How To Recognize The 3 Stages Of Adolescence a causal relationship between their actions and far-reaching results. Emotionally, schoolchildren often experience mood swings. Their social circle is gradually expanding: they go beyond family and close friends, embracing various groups of peers.

Average adolescence: 15-17 years

Puberty is coming to an end: physically teenagers can continue the race, but psychologically they are not yet ready for parenting. In girls, growth slows down, but in guys it is still intense.

Young people already manage to solve difficult problems, they know how to look into the future and plan it. They want to break away from their family, but at the same time they need parental support and a sense of security that their home walls give them.

The peer company is becoming the center of social life. A teenager is very dependent on the opinions of friends, they also often become the main authorities for him.

Late adolescence: over 18 years old

According to various sources, this period can last up to 21 years and even up to 24 years. By the end of it, young people begin to think rationally, gain emotional stability and real, and not imaginary, independence. They are able to build their lives on their own, without the help of their parents, and in their decisions they rely on themselves, and not on the opinion of friends. By the way, many people get stuck in late adolescence for life.

What are the features of adolescent children

A double load falls on the teenager: on the one hand, he is stormy from hormones, on the other, he grows up psychologically and breaks away from his family. A real revolution is taking place in the brain of adolescents, which is expressed in the following behavioral features Why 14 is the riskiest age for a teenager.

They are very confused by their gazes

Teens feel anxious if they know they are being followed by peers or parents. They may even sweat from exertion.

They make bad decisions under the influence of the company

Teenagers aged 13-16 are not so inclined to take risks when they are alone. Another thing is in the company of peers. They would rather harm themselves than slap their faces in front of others. Moreover, this behavior is observed at a later age - up to the age of 21.

14 is called Why 14 is the riskiest age for a teenager the most dangerous age: a teenager is more inclined than ever to take risks and make rash decisions under the influence of peers.

Their memory is deteriorating

Some studies show that between the ages of 12 and 14, adolescents find it more difficult to remember, and as a result, academic performance may decline. Perhaps this is due to hormonal changes.

They are not motivated by punishment

Neuropsychologists have established The Computational Development of Reinforcement Learning during Adolescence that rewards are the best incentive for good learning between the ages of 12 and 17. But teenagers are much less susceptible to punishment than people aged 18-32.

They are looking for themselves

Hence - the tendency to experiment with appearance: dyeing hair, getting tattoos, dressing provocatively.

How to communicate with a teenager

The adolescent age cannot be canceled. Your child grows up, moving away from you, and that's okay. Get ready to gradually let go of him, encouraging the teenager to find himself and be independent.

Think back to yourself at this age

Surely you were not an angel, and you really pulled the nerves of your own parents. If you feel like a teenager again, it will be easier for you to build bridges with a child who is controlled by hormones and peer opinions.

Support your child's hobbies

If a teenager is willing to talk to you about what interests him, great. So, despite the hormonal storms, a connection has been preserved between you. Ideally, when you share his hobby: together create cartoons on the computer or play football. But this is not necessary at all. It is enough to show respect for his choice and sincere interest.

Help him deal with his new body

It is not easy for a teenager to cope with his new body, which is changing too quickly. Never criticize his appearance. On the contrary, help the teenager to accept and love the new self. Maintain his self-esteem, do not compare with other people. Encourage sports, or better yet, go to the stadium or gym together.

Don't get bored with questions and advice

Teenagers are often annoyed by excessive care, intrusive advice and conversations similar to interrogations: where have you been? What exactly did you do with your friends? What's wrong with you? If the child responds reluctantly and in monosyllables, change tactics.

Talk less, listen more, and give your teen the opportunity to speak up. Build a dialogue with him as with an intelligent adult whose opinion is important to you.

Sarah-Jane Blackmore is the author of Inventing Ourselves. The Secret Life of the Brain of Adolescents"

It is customary in society to demonize teenagers. We do not like that the children, who only yesterday performed our commands, suddenly begin to rebel and become independent. It's hard to come to terms with this.

Letting make mistakes

Loosen control and stop deciding for the teenager. You can give advice, talk about the possible consequences of a wrong step, but let the teenager disobey and fill his own bumps. In most cases, he will be able to learn a lesson. Just in no case do not finish him off with the phrase: "But I told you …"

Hug more often

No matter how prickly and detached a teenager may seem, he periodically needs bodily contact with his parents. Hugs are a signal of care and safety. The only thing is that you should not go in public with affection, especially with peers. Leave them for home communication.

Accept the teenager for who he is

In principle, this rule applies to communication with any person, not just a teenager. Do not try to remake it in accordance with your attitudes and views. He is a separate person that you love no matter what.