The 3 Stages of Adolescent Development

Published January 20, 2023

Parent, did you know there are 3️⃣ stages of Adolescence?
The 3️⃣ stages of adolescence are an important framework for understanding teenage development. Each stage is guided by physical, cognitive and emotional changes.
The 3️⃣ stages include early adolescence (ages 11 to14), middle adolescence (ages 15 to 17) and late adolescence (ages 18 to 21). Understanding these stages of development helps to support young people and to provide appropriate guidance, structure and opportunities for growth.
💎 Ages 10 to 14: Early Adolescence
* Puberty for many begin at this stage of adolescence.
* Body changes during early adolescence may include developing hair under the arms and in the pubic area, testicular enlargement in males, and breast development in females.
* Pre-teens and teens begin to assert more independence as they move through the stages of adolescence. This means they may rebel, especially when parents reinforce rules and set limits.
💎 Ages 15 to 17: Middle Adolescence
* Physical changes in females may have slowed down or finished, but by this age most will start having regular menstrual periods.
* Most males will have started their pubescent growth spurt
* Male’s voices begin to lower and there may be a period where the voice cracks.
* Acne develops in both males and females.
* Teens of this age start feeling interested in romantic and sexual relationships.
💎 Ages 18 to 21: Late Adolescence
* Young people in this age range usually have better impulse control and decision-making skills than in middle adolescence.
* Independence increases as many young adults separate from their parents to live outside their childhood homes.
* Established relationships with parents, siblings, and other family members may change in nature now that adulthood has nearly been reached.
Can you think of any other changes that take place during adolescence? Leave a comment below. 👇

Quick Start, Not Quick Finish

December 14, 2015

This morning at the gym I planned to do my typical 10 minute mile of cardio on the Elliptical machine, but as soon as I started moving, the Lord says, “Today I want you to do cardio until the timer stops.” I was hoping the…

Reclaiming God’s Rest from Your Grind

November 14, 2015

I originally recorded this video devotion for men because so many of us are literally dying from the grind of life. However after recording, it became evident, that this message is for both genders. I pray this short video devotion will expose the schemes of…

The Lack of Sexual Self Control

November 12, 2015

Now David’s son Absalom had a beautiful sister named Tamar. And Amnon, her half brother, fell desperately in love with her. Amnon became so obsessed with Tamar that he became ill. – 2 Samuel 13:1-2 Many of us men have become so obsessed with the…

Delayed Discipline

May 11, 2015

Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. – Ecclesiastes 8:11 In the recent years, we’ve seen this scripture fulfilled when young men riot because a judgment…