Early adolescence is a time of many physical, mental, emotional and social changes. Hormones change as puberty begins. Boys grow facial and pubic hair, and their voices deepen. Girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start menstruating. They might be worried about these changes and how they are viewed by others. This will also be a time when your teenager might face peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs, and to have sex. Other challenges can be eating disorders, depression and family problems.
Trust is important for teenagers. Even as your teenager develops independence, they will need to be sure of your support. At the same time, your teenager will need you to respect their need for privacy.
- Be honest and direct with your teenager when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking and sex.
- Encourage your teenager to get exercise. They might join a team or take up an individual sport. Helping with household tasks such as mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or washing the car also keeps your teen active.
- Mealtime is very important for families. Eating together helps teenagers make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives your family time to talk to each other.
- Meet and get to know your teenager's friends.
- Show an interest in your teenager's school life.
- Help your teenager make healthy choices while encouraging your teen to make their own decisions.
- Respect your teenager's opinions, and take into account their thoughts and feelings. It is important that your teen knows you are listening.
Early adolescence is a time of many physical, mental, emotional and social changes. Hormones change as puberty begins. Boys grow facial and pubic hair, and their voices deepen. Girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start menstruating. They might be worried about these changes and how they are viewed by others. This will also be a time when your teenager might face peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs, and to have sex. Other challenges can be eating disorders, depression and family problems.
Trust is important for teenagers. Even as your teenager develops independence, they will need to be sure of your support. At the same time, your teenager will need you to respect their need for privacy.
- Be honest and direct with your teenager when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking and sex.
- Encourage your teenager to get exercise. They might join a team or take up an individual sport. Helping with household tasks such as mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or washing the car also keeps your teen active.
- Mealtime is very important for families. Eating together helps teenagers make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives your family time to talk to each other.
- Meet and get to know your teenager's friends.
- Show an interest in your teenager's school life.
- Help your teenager make healthy choices while encouraging your teen to make their own decisions.
- Respect your teenager's opinions, and take into account their thoughts and feelings. It is important that your teen knows you are listening.
Early adolescence is a time of many physical, mental, emotional and social changes. Hormones change as puberty begins. Boys grow facial and pubic hair, and their voices deepen. Girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start menstruating. They might be worried about these changes and how they are viewed by others. This will also be a time when your teenager might face peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs, and to have sex. Other challenges can be eating disorders, depression and family problems.
Trust is important for teenagers. Even as your teenager develops independence, they will need to be sure of your support. At the same time, your teenager will need you to respect their need for privacy.
- Be honest and direct with your teenager when talking about sensitive subjects such as drugs, drinking, smoking and sex.
- Encourage your teenager to get exercise. They might join a team or take up an individual sport. Helping with household tasks such as mowing the lawn, walking the dog, or washing the car also keeps your teen active.
- Mealtime is very important for families. Eating together helps teenagers make better choices about the foods they eat, promotes healthy weight, and gives your family time to talk to each other.
- Meet and get to know your teenager's friends.
- Show an interest in your teenager's school life.
- Help your teenager make healthy choices while encouraging your teen to make their own decisions.
- Respect your teenager's opinions, and take into account their thoughts and feelings. It is important that your teen knows you are listening.