Quarterly Tips Parenting Teenagers September 2000 Parenting teenagers is challenging. During this time, kids become allergic to parents and what once was a sweet, affectionate child who followed your rules may turn into a child that is defiant, moody and embarrassed to be seen in public with you. Gaining awareness of what is going on developmentally can help parents during these troubling years to avoid unnecessary conflict. Between the ages of 11 and 13, adolescents are adjusting to pubertal changes, learning to use new cognitive capacities, finding a place among their peers, and dealing with gender related expectations. Physical appearance becomes very important.
Kids become increasingly self-centered and are unable to see other perspectives.
They also have an intense involvement with their peer group. During this period, they develop a greater awareness of the needs of others and a greater willingness to compromise. They are not as interested in gaining tangible rewards and instead seek the approval from their peers. There is an increased emphasis in being independent and free from parental rule. Defining one s identity is very important which includes experimentation in a variety of areas.