Adults often ask me, “What question do you hear most from teens?” The most frequent concern that teens have, and the one most often voiced by patients, and in letters from readers of our books is, “Am I normal?” This question can be asked in many different ways. One teen might say, “I’m fourteen, but […]
Support and Advice
Many teen girls worry about breast size, usually because they feel their breasts are too small. They wonder if they’re normal, and if they’ll grow more. Reassure your daughter that development is a process lasting some years. Studies show that the average white American female does not reach a final stage of breast growth and
If your teenager has had a lot of accidents lately, bike crashes, skateboard wipeouts, or automobile accidents, it may be time to take inventory on what else is going on in your teenager’s life. Some accidents, especially when they occur in a cluster, may not be accidents, but a sign of emotional trouble or a
Each year of school has its challenges and opportunities, but for many young people, seventh grade is the most challenging of all. This is the year when many young people make the change from the personal atmosphere of the smaller, elementary school with one teacher, to the larger, less personal junior high, with many teachers.
His best friend is into motorcycles and cutting classes… Her friends smoke and drink, or maybe you’re disturbed by the way her friend dresses or talks… What can you do when you fear your teen is running with the “wrong crowd”? Talk with your teen. Without attacking his friends personally, voice your concerns. “I worry
A recent university study has found that teenagers have fewer problems when their privacy is respected at home. This means that parents do not open their mail, eavesdrop on phone conversations or search their rooms, especially in the absence of a serious problem like obvious drug abuse. When teens feel secure in their own little
Teen runaways are not the adventure-seeking young people popular in classic fiction. Today’s runaway is likely to be seeking to escape serious family problems. Such problems include sexual, physical or severe emotional abuse. These problems may also include alcoholism, parental divorce or remarriage, even parental rejection as a result of the teen’s sexual choices or
Young people reach puberty at very different rates following their bodies’ own timetable. Being different from average is most stressful for girls when physical development starts at an early age. The first menstrual can happen in some very normal girls as early as the age of nine. Early development can be difficult for a girl
Two of the most common eating disorders seen in teens are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia nervosa usually occurs in young women, but occasionally afflicts young men. The symptoms include obsessional fear of obesity coupled with refusal to eat, compulsive exercising, severe weight loss and body image distortion. This causes a severely underweight teen to
Obesity during the teenage years can be a difficult experience. It can limit opportunities, and further damage body image. Also, your teen’s attempts to diet may become a power struggle between yourself and your teen. How can you help your overweight teenager? Here’s some ideas: 1. Don’t use criticism or threats to motivate your over-
