Milestones that mark the adolescent's development
Speaking of adolescence is referring to a stage of changes. There are many things that are altered during these years, not only physically, also in the minds of young people. Upon completion, most adults forget to have crossed it. Therefore, it is important to remember which are the most important points in this section in the development of every individual.
With this purpose from the Spanish Association of Pediatrics and Primary Care, AEPap, many of the most important moments in the development of children in these ages are remembered. A list with which it is intended to help parents to understand the changes that the adolescent goes through and in this way, understand them and help them.
Physical changes
What was once a child, now begins to become a adult. Grows in size, develops new features such as the presence of hair in areas where there was not before. At the same time, young people begin to give greater importance to their external image and are more concerned with making a good impression.
The fear of not being accepted or being rejected by their peers sometimes leads them to make big changes such as making changes through diet or exercise to look good in front of the mirror. It is also necessary to understand that this difference may surprise them when they find themselves in their reflection with a person very different from the one they had hitherto known.
Together with the inherent changes to this stage: increased height of young people, appearance of pubic hair, presence of acne, etc. Keep in mind that other alterations are made consciously and voluntarily by the adolescent, such as a hairstyle that wants to resemble the character they follow: football player, film actor, etc.
Internal changes
Very much related to the aforementioned changes, changes appear
to internal level. In this stage, young people feel a greater fear of being rejected by their appearance, so it is possible that self-esteem problems appear. Terrors also arise not to fit within a group of friends.
In these stages there is also, in some cases, the change of educational center. From school to the institute, which often means having to make new ones friendships and adapt to new groups of friends. Situation that adds a new fear to the minds of young people.
The habits of adolescents begin to change. In relation to the search for acceptance, they can also participate in activities that may condition their health in the future. To avoid these situations, it is also necessary to establish norms of coexistence in the family that allow for the development of autonomy but without altering the functioning of the home.
Do not forget that as young people approach the adulthood, will develop greater autonomy. Parents must respect this fact and allow young people to carry out activities with their friends and away from the family. However, standards should also be agreed upon such as the time of arrival at home, practices that should not be done so as not to jeopardize their health.
Damián Montero
