Teen Life

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the hardest age for a teenager?

  It's different for every teen. The'tween'and early teen years may be hard as they deal withhormonal shifts, body changes, and acne. Boys start puberty between ages 10 and 16 and girls begin puberty between ages 8 and 13.Ages 16, 17, and 18 may prove challenging as academic demands pile up inpreparation for college.

  Learn More: Puberty Stages and Concerns
• What is important in a teenager's life?

  Friendshipsare important to many teens, as they are biologically wired to venture beyond the nest for human connection.However, they still value support and validation from trusted grown-ups. Research shows teens' stress levels dip more dramatically in the presence of parents than with friends.

  Learn More: 8 Inspirational Books for Teens
• What’s the best part of being a teenager?

  The teen years are a great time to try new things. Teens have moreindependencethan children but most aren't burdened yet by financial or familial obligations. This frees them up to explore a wide variety of hobbies or potential career paths. You can help teens find their calling by signing them up forinteresting extracurricular activitiesorsummer programs.

  Learn More: How to Raise a Happy, Healthy Teenager
• What are some of the common struggles of teenagers?

  Today's busy teens have a lot on their plates. Some struggle with balancing technology and schoolwork or dealing withpressure to succeed from parentsorcoaches. Others grapple with loneliness, which can be tied to excessive screen use.It's important to keep tabs on yourteen's mental healthby checking in with them often and seeking professional help if needed.

  Learn More: Top 10 Social Issues Teens Struggle With Today
• What are typical behaviors for a teenager?

  Though maddening to parents,mood swingsare typical in teens, as new hormones circulate to prepare their bodies and brains for adulthood. Risk-taking behavior is also common, tending to rise dramatically in early adolescence and peaking in the late teen years.Enforcing consequencesfor actions that put your teen or others at risk can help keep negative behaviors in check.

  Learn More: Teen Discipline: Strategies and Challenges
• Why is teenage life difficult?

  Some 70% of teens say they are stressed.While your teen might be enjoying new freedoms like dating anddriving, they may also be coping with fluctuating hormones, increasing academic demands, andsocial drama. Plus, though they are often exciting, major life transitions like entering high school,heading to college, and working at a first job can be daunting, too.

  Learn More: Reasons Your Teen Might Be Stressed Out (And What You Can Do About It)