Changes During the Teen Years

Physical Changes The BODY  Changes start around age  Caused by HORMONES which are chemicals in the body  Adolescence is often called “puberty” ”

Physical changes GROWTH SPURT- Girls start to grow 1st Voice deepens Skin changes- more oily Acne (Temporary change) Increased sweat glands- leads to pimples & body odor Body hair Body shape changes: Males ‘V’ Females widen at the hips Get stronger- muscle growth Brain changes- chemically Grow wider Need to eat HEALTHY & EXERCISE!! Able to do more activities

Coping with physical changes  Keep skin clean- wash 2x a day!  Eat healthier!! Give the body what it needs & wants!  Move around! Throw, catch, run, ride, play, walk……  Mark your progress in height & weight  Don’t criticize yourself!  Everyone IS changing- it’s normal!

Mental Changes The way you think and learn The Human Brain

Intellectual Changes The way you think and learn Thinking changes from CONCRETE to ABSTRACT C= Childlike A= Adult like Learning more in a shorter time Able to face problems that are more complex. More of a vocabulary Better at decision-making Learn from history/past mistakes Better problem solver

Handling Academics Start good study habits NOW! School should be a top priority Develop friendly competition with classmates Take advantage of extra help Teachers like students!

Emotional change T he way we feel All emotions are GOOD!! They are a reaction to events AND our thoughts Mood swings- severe & sudden changes in the way you feel New Feelings Toward Others- you may recognize that others around you have needs as well Hormones contribute to the power of emotions. Feeling of attraction toward orthers.

How are you feeling?

SOCIAL CHANGE Define these words: –Peer –Acquaintance –Friend –Community –Community Service: Volunteer work intended to help people in a particular area.

Social change How you act around your peers: oMore time with peers! oMake more friends oLose some friends oCliques may form oMore peer pressure oEffects emotions How you act with your parents:  Less time with them  May not share as much information  Need to gain trust  More responsibilities at home You May Get in involved in Community Service programs.