Transition from dependant childhood to independent adulthood

Dr Ashwini Anil Kumar Sirapanasetty *

Adolescence is a transitional period from childhood to adulthood, with an onset that includes pubertal maturation and an offset that is marked by independence from the parent.Children entering adolescence are going through many changes in their bodies andbrains. These include physical, intellectual, psychological and social challenges, as well as development of their own moral compass.

The changes are rapid and often take place at different rates. It can be an exciting yet challenging time in the life of a teenager. Adolescence is the time when your child becomes more independent and begins to explore their identity.

Physical Changes-Beginning of the Puberty

Physical development in adolescence includes changes that occur through a process called puberty. During puberty, your child’s brain releases certain hormones. The hormones cause your child’s body to physically change and their sexual organs to mature. Your child will likely experience a growth spurt. During this time, they’ll grow rapidly in height and weight.

Other physical changes may include body odour, acne and an increase in body hair. Growth spurts usually happen earlier for girls and adolescents assigned female at birth (AFAB) than for boys and adolescents assigned male at birth (AMAB). Most girls and adolescents AFAB have growth spurts between the ages of 10 and 14. Most boys and adolescents AMAB have growth spurts between the ages of 14 and 17.

Girls and adolescents AFAB will begin to develop breasts. This can happen as young as age 10 and should start by age 14. They’ll also experience their first period (menstruation) — usually about two years after breasts and pubic hair are first noticeable. Boys and adolescents AMAB will see their penis and testicles grow. They’ll begin to experience erections & ejaculation. (Erections can also happen normally from before birth — as seen on ultrasound in utero — to old age.)

These physical changes happen to everyone, but the timing and order can vary from person to person. Some adolescents mature early, while others mature later. Being on either end of this spectrum can cause the added stress of standing out amongst their peers.

If Puberty is happening early (before age 8 for girls and adolescents AFAB and before age 9 for boys and adolescents AMAB) or late (after age 14 for girls and adolescents AFAB and after age 15 for boys and adolescents AMAB), see your pediatrician or an adolescent medicine doctor. They can help manage and treat this problem of puberty. Ignoring these problems can have an impact on bone development and growth.

Cognitive Changes.

Brain development in adolescence is on a higher level than that of childhood. Children are only able to think logically about the concrete — the here and now. Adolescents move beyond these limits and can think in terms of what might be true, rather than just what they see as true. They can deal with abstractions, test hypotheses and see infinite possibilities. Yet adolescents still often display egocentric behaviours and attitudes.

During cognitive development in adolescence, large numbers of neurones grow rapidly. Your child’s body experiences an increase in the way these bundles of nerves connect. This allows for more complex, sophisticated thinking.

Emotional Changes/challenges.

During adolescence, your child will begin to observe, measure and manage their emotions. That means they’ll begin to become more aware of their own feelings and the feelings of others. The process of emotional development will give your child the opportunity to build their skills and discover their unique qualities. As they become more independent, some adolescents welcome these new challenges. Others may need more support to build their self-confidence.

Development of Self-esteem!

The physical, hormonal and emotional changes your child experiences during adolescence may affect their self-esteem. Teenagers who develop early or late compared to their peers may be self-conscious of their bodies. Fitting in becomes ever more important to their self-esteem. Self-esteem can be complex. Some adolescents may have high self-esteem around their families but low self-esteem around their peers.

Instead of having a “helicopter parent” who swoops in and saves the day, or a “snowplow parent” who moves all challenges out of their child’s way, adolescents benefit most from a parent who’s a “lighthouse.” This kind of parent keeps their child in bounds whenever it’s a matter of safety or ethics, while allowing them to explore their own decision-making abilities.

The role of caring adults who serve as a lighthouse can be life-changing for teens. While a challenging part of adolescence, it’s important that your child learns to accept who they are and gains a sense of capability.

They can develop their self-esteem by:
1 Making mistakes
2 Learning from their mistakes
3 Holding themselves accountable for their actions

Social Changes

The most important task of social development in adolescence is the search for identity. This is often a lifelong voyage that launches during adolescence. Along with the search for identity comes the struggle for independence.

Your child may:
1 Develop an interest in their sexuality & romantic relationships.
2 Turn to you less in the midst of challenge.
3 Show more independence from you.
4 Spend less time with you & more time with their friends.
5 Feel anxious, sad or depressed which can lead to trouble at school or risks taking behaviours.

Identity Development.

Identity development occurs when your child discovers a strong sense of self and personality, along with a connection to others. Positive self-identity is important because it shapes your child’s perception of belonging throughout their life. A positive self-identity is also associated with higher self-esteem.

You can help reinforce a positive self-identity in your child by:
1 Encouraging their efforts
2 Praising their good choices
3 Inspiring perseverance

How social media affects adolescent development?

Social media can negatively impact your child’s health and development. Adolescents report cyberbullying and exposure to inappropriate content online. In addition, socialising online isn’t the same as socialising in person. Adolescents miss out on key facial expressions and body language that they only see when they connect with a person face to face.

Adolescents may also feel bad about themselves when comparing themselves to others they see online. All of these factors can lead to lower self-esteem, depression and anxiety.

Key Role of Parents in Healthy Adolescent development

Adolescence can be a trying period for both you and your child. But your home doesn’t have to become a battleground if you make special efforts to understand one another.

1 Give your child undecided attention when they want to talk. Don’t read, check your email, watch television or busy yourself with other tasks.
2 Listen calmly & focus on listening to understand your child’s point of view. Reflect back to what you have heard.
3 Speak to your child courteously & pleasantly as you would to a stranger. Your tone of voice establishes the mood of conversation.
4 Understand your child’s feelings, even if you don’t always approve of their behaviour. Try not to make judgments. Keep the door open on any subject. Be an “open/approachable” parent.
5 Avoid humiliating your child. Don’t laugh at what may seem to you to be naïve or foolish questions & statements.
6 Help your child to build self confidence. Encourage their participation in activities of their choice (Not Yours)
7 Make an effort to commend your child frequently & appropriately. Too often we take good things for granted & focus on the bad. Your child needs to know that you appreciate them.
8 Encourage your child to participate in family decisions making & to work out family concerns together with you. Understand that your child needs to challenge your opinions &your ways of doing things. This is how they achieve the separation from you that’s essential for their own adult identity.