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How much will my adolescent grow? The teenage years are also called adolescence. During this time, parents will see the greatest amount of growth in height and weight in their child. Adolescence is a time for growth spurts and puberty changes. An adolescent may grow several inches in several months followed by a period of very slow growth, then have another growth spurt. Changes with puberty (sexual maturation) may occur gradually or several signs may become visible at the same time.

he physical changes the body goes through in adolescence are the most rapid it has seen since infancy. The major physical changes, and some of the ways they affect behavior, are outlined here. Puberty The most salient physical change during adolescence is puberty. Puberty marks the onset of the capability of reproduction. In the United States, the average age for girls to begin menstruating is 12.5 years, with European American girls typically starting a bit later than African American girls (Brooks-Gunn & Reiter, 1990).

Adolescence in American and Western European cultures is a time of enormous emotional as well as physical changes. Although each child is an individual and grows and develops in his or her own unique way, there are some predictable stages. When parents know what to expect, they can provide better help and support as their child moves through this often emotionally tumultuous time.

Young people go through many changes during adolescence. These changes include physical changes, as well as changes to their thought processes and emotions (cognitive and emotional changes), sense of identity and values (psychological changes), relationships (social changes), and realistic aspirations for the future. All young people are unique and therefore the degree, rate and pace of specific physical, emotional and social changes varies with each young person.

Many people around the world define adolescence as the period of life between 10 to 19 years of age. If you are between 10 and 19 years old, you are an adolescent. Congratulations! You are a special person! Of course, you have always been special and always will be. But for now you are extra special. You are going through a lot of changes and trying out new things-from new looks and new identities to new experiences, like going out with friends, holding hands and kissing.

Adolescence is the time when you begin changing from a kid to an adult. This doesn't happen overnight - in fact it happens over several years. It starts with puberty when hormone levels rise and start the body changes needed to turn you into a young man or woman, and goes on for many years until you are ready to live an independent adult life.

Vaccination is the best protection against 16 major diseases and among the greatest gifts a parent can give a child. Getting your child immunized should start when she's very young, and continue through adolescence.

Australian Bureau of Statistics: Mental health of young people provides an introduction to the status of adolescent health in Australia with a focus on mental health

During adolescence, you'll notice changes in the way your child interacts with family, friends and peers. Every child's social and emotional development is different. Your child's development is shaped by your child's unique combination of genes, brain development, environment, experiences with family and friends, and community and culture. Social and emotional changes show that your child is forming an independent identity and learning to be an adult.