
becomes able to anticipate the consequences of different options.learns to evaluate the credibility of various sources of information.learns to distinguish fact from opinion.begins to independently differentiate right from wrong and develops a conscience.starts to set personal goals (and may reject goals set by others).learns to recognize that current actions can have an effect on the future.begins with a present focus, mixed with some fantasy.

becomes able to construct hypothetical solutions to a problem and evaluate which is best.learns to reason through problems even in the absence of concrete events or examples.learns to use deductive reasoning and make educated guesses.begins with the ability to apply concepts to specific examples.arguing skills improve (and are demonstrated often and with great passion).Expect the following changes as a progression of development rather than as age-based milestones: He enters middle adolescence with a focus on things he can experience here and now, and moves to being able to imagine the range of possibilities life holds. rapid growth may cause clumsiness and lack of coordinationīetween 13 and 16 your child’s ways of thinking about himself, others, and the world shift to a much more adult level.need for sleep increases may sleep quite late on weekends.ejaculation and nocturnal emissions occur.pubic and underarm hair appears and thickens.muscles fill out and strength increases dramatically.menstrual periods become regular ovulation is established pregnancy becomes possible.hips widen fat deposits in buttocks, legs, and stomach increase.pubic hair thickens, darkens, and takes on adult triangular pattern.growth in height continues, but at a slower pace than earlier adult height is reached by age 16 or 17.

By the end of this period most girls will be near their adult height boys may continue to grow until age 18 or 19. Girls’ rapid growth is generally tapering off, while many boys have yet to see the beginning of their much anticipated growth spurt. Physical developmentīoys and girls still exhibit markedly different levels of physical maturity as they enter middle adolescence. Now is when you will really begin to get a glimpse of the adult your child will become. During this time your child’s thinking skills take a decidedly adult turn, his body matures, and friends and social networks outside the family become increasingly important. Middle adolescence is a time of blossoming development - the insecure, inwardly focused 13-year-old becomes a cheerful, charming 16-year-old looking toward the future.
