Parents should be knowledgeable about young adolescents and actively involved in their lives. The nature of parenting changes when children enter middle school. Young adolescents naturally and appropriately seek greater independence, so some conflicts with parents, teachers, and other adults may occur. These encounters can be times of growth and opportunities for communication. Healthy bodies and healthy minds equal healthy young adolescents.
Early adolescence is an age of heightened curiosity characterized by a sense of adventure.
Regretfully, too many young adolescents are experimenting with drugs, alcohol, and sex, contributing to an alarming increase in inappropriate and often life-threatening behaviors. This is an important issue to address in schools and communities. However, it is equally important to recognize that millions of young adolescents are successfully navigating this developmental stage by engaging in healthy practices and appropriate behaviors. The nature of the educational programs young adolescents experience during this formative period of life will, in large measure, determine the future for all of us. This includes the mastery of important basic skills and the ability to apply them in real-world situations.