Emotional Changes!

Here are some emotional changes that teens may experience during development.

• Self-Consciousness:  As young people develop, their bodies change as well.  It is normal for adolescents to compare themselves to their peers and friends.  They will care more about their physical appearance than they have in the past.
• Invincibility:  Decision making skills are developing during this period.  Teens are still learning about consequences and in many cases they do not believe that anything bad could happen to them.
• Greater Sensitivity:  As they develop, adolescents improve their skills of reading and recognizing feelings and emotions in others.  They can still misread body language and expression but they are better able to show care and empathy to others.
• Mood Swings:  Teen brains are still learning to process and deal with intense emotional feelings.  It can be very difficult to control.  Adolescents can be overwhelmed by the strong feelings and it takes time to learn to deal with and process these emotions in a safe and healthy way.
• Showing Strong Feelings:  The intense feelings that accompany adolescence take time to adjust to and learn how to control.  Teens will more easily express their emotions through their actions.

These are just a few of the emotional changes that young people can undergo.  As parents, teachers, counselors, and role models it is important to remember our role in the decisions that teens make and set a good example for young people to follow!