Stages of Development
This may be one of the most difficult of all aspects of life to handle. During the teen stages of development there are both physical and behavioural changes.
The first stage of development takes place between the ages of 11 and 14 and the developments include, body appearance, a new want for independence, sense of justice, hormonal changes, and more of an interest in friendships as well as relationships. These development changes alone can prove to be difficult to handle. There are behavioural changes such as, self-awareness, mood changes, disobedience, need for acceptance, argumentative behaviour, and serious risk-taking.
Stage two of development takes place between the ages 15 and 16. Much like stage one there are both developmental changes and behavioural changes. The following development changes occur in this second stage, independent decisions, relationships becoming intimate, developing a personal morality, and more vast interests develop. The behavioural changes for this second stage of development include, being more independent of friends, arguing information, debating family values, becoming impatient with restrictions, and pursuing artistic interests as well as neglecting subject that are not favoured. Let me tell you, things only go up from here. Your struggle to make and find your own identity and independence will only become easier. During this stage your talents begin to shine.
The third and final stage of development takes place between the ages of 17 and 19 the development portion of this stage includes, self-awareness, working towards future goals, balancing social life as well as family, and forming more stable male-female relationships. The behavioural attributes include, idealistic, feeling comfortable with the opposite sex, stress, worry about future, and functioning almost independently. During this stage difficulty can be found in thinking and making serious life decisions that will affect ones future. Some of these decisions include making decisions at to which courses to take, university/college options, as well as balancing school, friends, and family. During this stage it is important to keep in mind what your interests are. If your friend is taking one course don’t just take it just so there’s a chance you have one more class with him. Keep in mind your interests and go from there.