Physical Development

As some young adolescents see it…

The worst part of being a teen is all the pressure to be skinny.

Alexandra, age 14

I never used to wear makeup. I do now to cover up my flaws.

Jill, age 12

(Brighton, 2007)

Young adolescents experience the following physical changes yet the rate at which they experience them varies. Do not expect your child and their friends, or several of your own children, to go through these changes at the same rate. Keep in mind that God created all of us to be unique so we experience things at different times.

Young adolescents:

Experience rapid, irregular physical growth (arms and legs may appear out of proportion during this time as young adolescents “grow into” their bodies)
Undergo bodily changes that may cause awkward, uncoordinated movements
Have varying maturity rates (girls usually experience puberty earlier than boys by about 1-2 years) and are concerned about the changes in physical characteristics they are experiencing thus young adolescents need to know what to expect during this time of change
May feel restless or fatigued because of hormonal changes
Need daily physical activity to use up excess energy
Must have good nutrition
May experience a decrease in fine motor skills resulting in poor handwriting
Have bones that grow faster than muscles, which makes young adolescents more likely to fracture bones
Need good hygiene not only on a physical level, but also on a social and emotional level
May create strange posture positions to accommodate uncomfortable changes

With these physical changes in mind, teachers can help their students and parents can help their children better navigate these sometimes painful, yet wonderful physical changes they are experiencing. The key is communication between adults and the young adolescents in their lives about these physical changes they are experiencing. The more communication we have, the better the children will understand what is happening to them and the more comfortable they will be with these changes.