As children enter adolescence, they go through big changes. This is an exciting time, full of many varied and rapid changes. Children start to become more independent and create a personal identity. They also grow and mature. Learn advice to help you and your child navigate the teenage years:

In this section, learn more about how to support your child’s healthy development:

• Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years 
• Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years 
• Milestones for Ages 11 to 14     
• Milestones for Ages 15 to 18     

In adolescence, your child begins to establish himself or herself as an individual. This includes establishing independence, identity and self-esteem. Learn more about the emotional and social development of your child:

• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years

At 16, most teens learn to process more complex problems and can think abstractly. Learn more about teen cognitive development in this section:

Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and of physical changes throughout the body. Learn more about physical development in adolescents in this section:

• Adolescent Sensory and Motor Development
• Menarche     
• Menstruation: Not Having a Period by Age 15    
• Physical Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years        
• Physical Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years        
• Puberty Issues 
• Teenage Sleep Patterns
• Your Teen's Changing Body

Last Updated: June 2021