These are some questions that may be asked during a person's teen years. I need help in trying to answer them for an assignment. Sometimes I...

The adolescent years are a period of change and transition for young people and can therefore be unsettling and even frightening. Thus many teens have questions and fears about how their lives and bodies are changing. Often they may turn to educators for advice, and though professional counseling is advisable for highly troubled teens, educators can help by reassuring teens than many of the changes they are undergoing are perfectly normal. In response to three...

The adolescent years are a period of change and transition for young people and can therefore be unsettling and even frightening. Thus many teens have questions and fears about how their lives and bodies are changing. Often they may turn to educators for advice, and though professional counseling is advisable for highly troubled teens, educators can help by reassuring teens than many of the changes they are undergoing are perfectly normal. In response to three of your individual questions:

1. 
   Sometimes I want to stay a child. Why am I afraid to become an adult?: As a child you are protected and taken care of by your family. Becoming an adult means earning a living, cooking, running errands, and even, perhaps, getting married and having children of your own. This is a major increase in the level of complexity and responsibility you have in your life. What will make these transitions less scary is the degree to which you prepare yourself for them by getting a part time job, learning to cook and clean, setting up a bank account, making wise decisions and gradually assuming other adult responsibilities and chores. 


2. 
   Both of my best friends look like young women. Why do I still look like a little girl?: People's bodies develop at different rates, with the age of onset of puberty anywhere from 9 to 15. If you are engaged in sports such as gymnastics or ballet, low body fat can delay puberty, or result in athletic amenorrhoea. Although late puberty may simply be a result of genetics, if you are over 14 and have not had your first period, you might want to visit your health care provider for a check up. 


3. 
   Why do I feel so awkward, like my arms and legs do not belong to me any more?: As an adolescent your body can go through rapid changes such as growth spurts. It sometimes takes a few months to adjust to changes in your body. If you find the condition persistent or disturbing, consult your health care provider.