This is a time of changes for how teenagers think, feel, and interact with others, and how their bodies grow. Most girls will be physically mature by now, and most will have completed puberty. Boys might still be maturing physically during this time. Your teen might have concerns about her body size, shape, or weight.

About pre-teen and teenage development

Developmental Milestones
The ages 11 through 14 years are often referred to as early adolescence. These years are an exciting time of many varied and rapid changes. Your child grows taller and stronger and also starts to feel and think in more mature ways. You may feel amazed as you watch your child begin to turn into an adult. But this can be a confusing time for both kids and parents. Both must get used to the new person the child is becoming. From ages 11 through 14, a child develops in four main areas:. Yearly doctor visits are important to detect problems and to make sure your adolescent is growing and developing as expected. During these visits, the doctor will do a physical examination and give your child any needed shots. The doctor will also ask questions about your child's friends, school, and activities to see how he or she is doing.
Early Adolescence (Ages 10 to 13)
This is a time of many physical, mental, emotional, and social changes. Hormones change as puberty begins. Most boys grow facial and pubic hair and their voices deepen. Most girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start their period. They might be worried about these changes and how they are looked at by others. This also will be a time when your teen might face peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco products, and drugs, and to have sex. Other challenges can be eating disorders, depression, and family problems. At this age, teens make more of their own choices about friends, sports, studying, and school.
During adolescence, young people experience many changes as they transition from childhood into young adulthood. These changes include physical, behavioral, cognitive, and emotional-social development. Public health professionals who work with adolescents need substantive information about the trajectory of young people's lives during all phases of adolescent development.