What are the common physical changes, problems in boys and girls during Adolescent and what parents can do?

Physical Changes

Boys

• Muscular development
• Hair over the body
• Start getting mustache and beard
• Wrist and shoulder broaden

Girls

• Maturity of genitals
• Breast development
• Hair axilla and genitals
• Sweet and fresh face
• Increase in height and weight
• Separation of the uterus and excretory pathways
• Nipples become hard
• Maturity of genitals
• Mensuration starts
• Opening of the vaginal curtain
• Vaginal white discharge

Common adolescent problems

Boys/men

• Short/tall
• Acne vulgaris
• Night emissions
• Blue films
• Less hair on face
• Masturbation
• Same-sex attraction
• Violence
• Size of penis
• Breast enlargement

Girls/women

• Beauty
• Vaginal Secretions
• Acne vulgaris
• Sexual attractions
• Problems of loneliness
• Sexual harassment
• Love, marriage, kids
• Hair on hands and legs
• Size and shape of the breast

The common problems in adolescents from the parent's perspective

• Adamancy
• Restlessness
• Disobedience
• Neglecting studies
• Pornography
• Argumentative
• Violent behavior
• Social media addiction
• Neglecting studies
• Temper tantrums
• Watching or playing with media for long hours

The teachers also may have the following complaints

• Truancy
• Disturbs other children
• Does not complete homework

There are some problems which need urgent attention of the parents

• Rash driving
• Attempt to suicide
• Isolation
• Frequent expressions like "I want to die"
• Criminal activities
• Addiction
• Progressively declining scholastic performance

What Parents Can Do?

1. Keeping a watch on the tendency to material desires and addiction.

2. Parents should be able to convey love in words, facial expressions, body language, and action.

3. Counseling at the appropriate time is essential.

4. Parents should set examples by their behavior, which will give them value and moral education.

5. Healthy parenting of an adolescent includes paying attention to the child without being indulgent.

6. Being involved in adolescent's life to the extent of creating an atmosphere of friendliness.

7. Establish positive communication which will help in satisfying the curiosity and difficulties in an adolescent.