Normal Development: 12 to 14 Years Old

Some attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages. It is perfectly natural for a teen to reach some milestones earlier and others later than the general trend. The following are general guidelines for the stages of normal development.

Physical Development

• May have growth spurt (girls usually develop 2 years earlier than boys).
  • girls: changes in fat distribution, pubic hair, breast development; start of menstrual period
  • boys: testicular growth, voice changes, pubic hair, "wet dreams"
• May try to experiment with body (masturbation).

Emotional Development

• May be moody.
• Struggles with sense of identity.
• Is sensitive and has a need for privacy.
• Worries about increased social and school stresses.
• May have strong opinions and challenge family rules and values.
• May try to "show-off."

Social Development

• Becomes more self-sufficient.
• Usually seeks out friends with beliefs and values similar to those of his or her family.
• May think about appearance all the time
• Starts to look outside of family for love and relationships.
• Influenced by peers about clothes and interests.
• May be influenced by peers to try risky behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, sex).

Mental Development

• Mostly judges based on concrete rules of right and wrong, good or bad.
• Thinks in terms of the present rather than the future.
• May start to think abstractly and about complex issues.

If you have any concerns about your teen's development, check with your healthcare provider.