There are certainly many physical changes during this time, but the effects of these changes depend on the social, personality, and temperament factors of the child. Adolescents are now capable of complex reasoning and thinking. Given guided practice, youth can make thoughtful decisions. Youth are interested in information about relationships, and yes-even their bodies. If parents are not willing to provide it, other sources such as television, the Internet, or friends will fill in.
Youth are interested in exploring the unknown.
Be willing to talk, answer questions, and help them join acceptable community activity groups. Be a positive model from early ages. Stay connected to their friends and know where they go when you are not with them. When it comes to influencing youth, the things parents say may not be as important as the things parents do. If parents expect children to let them know where they are going, when they will be home, and how they can be reached, parents need to model this behavior by providing this same information to their children.