What to expect from your 10-14 year old

Milestones

• Ways your child is developing between 10 and 14 years of age.
• Most children get their second molars (back teeth) between 12 and 13. Talk with your dentist about sealants. Your child should floss daily.
• Between the ages of 12 and 14 most girls will have small breasts, pubic hair and periods.
• Between 12 and 14 most boys will have pubic hair. The skin on their scrotum and penis may change color.
• Many boys will have a growth spurt sometime between 12 and 15. Their voice may change and they may start a beard.
• Children do not experience these body changes at the same age. This can worry a child. Growth happens at different times for everyone. If they have not begun to have growth changes by age 14 talk with your doctor.

Parenting Tips

• A child’s body goes through many changes as part of becoming a teenager. This can be exciting but can also be scary. Your child may be more emotional and sometimes rude or angry.
• Talk with your child about the changes in their body as the changes happen. Tell them these are signs of growing up.
• Talk with your child about sexual feelings. They need to know they are normal.
• When a child often feels sad, nervous or worried, things may not be going right for him/her. Talk with your child about his/her feelings. Help find him/her a counselor if needed.
• Your child is growing mentally. You can help his/her thinking skills by asking him/her to solve problems.

Safety Tips

• This is a good time to learn first aide and CPR.
• Cigarettes, drugs and alcohol are often offered to teenagers. Practice “saying no” with your child.
• Teach your child gun safety. They should never play around with guns. Help him/her practice walking away if their friends have guns. If you keep guns or rifles in your home, make sure they are unloaded and locked up.