 From parents' perspectives, adolescence could quite possibly be the most nerve-wracking developmental period in their children's lives. It is natural for parents to feel anxious when their teens learn to drive a car; begin to form romantic and sexual relationships; decide to get tattoos and body piercings; and flirt with danger by experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Despite these perils, adolescence is also a period of great pride and satisfaction for parents as they begin to recognize that their years of hard work, commitment, and personal sacrifice have paid off. Their once dependent children gradually become independent and responsible adults. Along the way there are significant landmarks such as their teen getting a first job; choosing a career or trade; moving out to live on their own; and developing a rewarding social network.
The adolescent developmental period is a lengthy period of transition spanning the ages of 12-24 years. During adolescence a metamorphous occurs as dependent children become independent adults. Although developmental theorists refer to adolescence as a single developmental period, it is often sub-divided into early, middle, and late adolescence.
The goal of this center is to provide parents, and other caregivers of adolescent youth, practical suggestions about how to best guide and direct their children during this time of significant ch... Continue Reading This Article
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