Adolescence

By Kimberly Sinclair RN CPNP

Adolescence is the second biggest time of change in the first 18 years of life. Children change in every way, ending this stage at the cusp of adulthood. Hold onto your seats, then ride can be bumpy! Your children are AMAZING!

Physical:

The child can stretch to the height of 5’6 to as tall as 6’3. The weight can go from 80 pounds to 250. The change is astronomical. Organs shift. The produce enzymes, hormones and chemicals that start to function at an adult level. Adult functioning ensues and sexual maturation occurs. Bodies change, hair and body parts change. Then, at approximately 18 years old, all functions shift to adult permanent levels.

Mental:

Education and learning grow and progresses. Learning, at this point, never stops unless the person discontinues that process. Or, it is affected by external forces; drugs, alcohol, health changes, bad influences, lack of motivation, etc. Children develop career goals and work to establish the educational needs that support those goals. They may develop relationships and learn how to be in those relationships. This may be a time of unwanted pregnancies and poor life choices. Learning and anticipating those possible choices, bad and good, can help prevent problems and mishaps. Identity is the major life challenge/stage at this point. Figuring out who they are and how they want to be is the optimal goal. This can be challenging indeed.

Vision/Hearing:

Vision and Hearing should be stable without undue influences. Meaning; drugs, alcohol and other negative influences can interfere hearing and vision.

Nutritionally:

With the extremely accelerated growth seen during this period, an increase in nutritional needs is seen. 2000 to 2500 calories may be required. Increases in protein, carbohydrates and fats across the board. This may not be possible if bulimia or anorexia is an issue. Nutrition should be gaged on what the child requires and feels they want. If weight and height become high or low on the growth chart, further assessment and plans may need to see providers who work with these issues.

Other Developmental Needs:

Sexual growth occurs during this phase. Cycles, contraceptive choices, sexual counseling and needs may occur. These can be navigated with the appropriate specialist supporting. Male and females’ problems always need to be addressed. Need for self-reflections, personal growth, goal setting, and family bonding needs to be respected and supported. Broken families and changing family ways of dealing with problems can be difficult and require patience, compassion and understanding. Health conditions need to be addressed, supported and managed. Specialists sought for those needs. Medical professionals may need to be supported to “do the right thing” as medical resources are tight and simply not there.

If the issues of Adolescence are navigated well, they end at the 18th birthday and the classification of being an “adult”. Since progression through the developmental stages is not always consistent or run in a straight line, this may not end at 18. But with consistent help and progress it usually does get there. Life begins in a new way and the doors open if planned for in advance.