The Growing Child: Adolescent (13 to 18

Years)
How much will my adolescent grow?
The teenage years are also called adolescence. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts
and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months
followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with
puberty (sexual maturation) may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at
the same time.
There is a great amount of variation in the rate of changes that may occur. Some
teenagers may experience these signs of maturity sooner or later than others.

What changes will occur during puberty?

Sexual and other physical maturation that occurs during puberty is a result of hormonal
changes. In boys, it is difficult to know exactly when puberty is coming. There are
changes that occur, but they occur gradually and over a period of time, rather than as a
single event. While each male adolescent is different, the following are average ages
when puberty changes may occur:

Beginning of puberty: 9.5 to 14 years old

First pubertal change: enlargement of the testicles

Penis enlargement: begins approximately one year after the testicles begin
enlarging

Appearance of pubic hair: 13.5 years old

Nocturnal emissions (or "wet dreams"): 14 years old

Hair under the arms and on the face, voice change, and acne: 15 years old

Girls also experience puberty as a sequence of events, but their pubertal changes
usually begin before boys of the same age. Each girl is different and may progress
through these changes differently. The following are average ages when puberty
changes may occur:

Beginning of puberty: 8 to 13 years

First pubertal change: breast development

Pubic hair development: shortly after breast development

Hair under the arms: 12 years old

Menstrual periods: 10 to 16.5 years old

There are specific stages of development that both boys and girls go through when
developing secondary sexual characteristics (the physical characteristics of males and
females that are not involved in reproduction such as voice changes, body shape, pubic
hair distribution, and facial hair). The following is a brief overview of the changes that
occur:

In boys, the initial puberty change is the enlargement of the scrotum and testes.
At this point, the penis does not enlarge. Then, as the testes and scrotum
continue to enlarge, the penis gets longer. Next, the penis will continue to grow
in both size and length.

In girls, the initial puberty change is the development of breast buds, in which
the breast and nipple elevate. The areola (dark area of skin that surrounds the
nipple of the breast) increases in size at this time. The breasts then continue to
enlarge. Eventually, the nipples and the areolas will elevate again, forming
another projection on the breasts. At the adult state, only the nipple remains
elevated above the rest of the breast tissue.

Pubic hair development is similar for both girls and boys. The initial growth of hair
produces long, soft hair that is only in a small area around the genitals. This hair
then becomes darker and coarser as it continues to spread. The pubic hair
eventually looks like adult hair, but in a smaller area. It may spread to the thighs
and, sometimes, up the stomach.

What does my adolescent understand?

The teenage years bring many changes, not only physically, but also mentally and
socially. During these years, adolescents increase their ability to think abstractly and
eventually make plans and set long-term goals. Each child may progress at a different
rate and may have a different view of the world. In general, the following are some of
the abilities that may be evident in your adolescent:

Develops the ability to think abstractly

Is concerned with philosophy, politics, and social issues

Thinks long-term

Sets goals

Compares one's self to one's peers

As your adolescent begins to struggle for independence and control, many changes may
occur. The following are some of the issues that may be involved with your adolescent
during these years:

Wants independence from parents

Peer influence and acceptance becomes very important

Romantic/sexual relationships become important

May be in love

Has long-term commitment in relationship

How to assist your adolescent in developing socially

Consider the following as ways to foster your adolescent's social abilities:

Encourage your adolescent to take on new challenges.

Talk with your adolescent about not losing sight of one's self in group relations.

Encourage your adolescent to talk to a trusted adult about problems or concerns,

even if it is not you he or she chooses to talk with.

Discuss ways to manage and handle stress.

Provide consistent, loving discipline with limits, restrictions, and rewards.

Find ways to spend time together.