Young adolescents ...
are at a unique, vulnerable time in their lives, when adults continue to be important to them;

Therefore they... need relationships with reassuring and informed adults who like and respect them and who serve as role models and advisors.

So they ... Example: Come to us for reassurance.

Young adolescents ...
seek limited in dependence and autonomy; may imagine themselves to be invulnerable to dangerous risks.

Therefore they... need adult guidance in setting clear limits, but they should help to make rules within those guidelines.

So they ... Example: Display out-of control behavior when limits are not clear.

Young adolescents ...
live in a constantly expanding world, as they master new social skills and begin to see themselves in relation to their communities and to society in general.

Therefore they ... need opportunities to make meaningful contribution to their communities, as they see themselves as participants, not as observers in society.

So they ... Example: Volunteer for service projects.

Young adolescents ...
develop new thinking skills; question rules and beliefs that had been accepted on face value up until now.

Therefore they... need to have a voice in planning the activities that shape their lives.

So they ... Example: Argue with adults about whether norms are reasonable and fair.

Young adolescents ...
are a diverse and challenging age group with which to work.

Therefore they... need youth workers and other adults who like and respect them for who they are right now; who respond sensitively to both their present joys and confusion and their dreams and worries about the future.

So they ... Example: Have disdain for statements that start with "When you grow up.... "

Young adolescents ...
grow more rapidly than at any other time in their lives except for infancy.

Therefore they... need lots of physical activity - not intense competition - and time for relaxation too.

So they ... Example: Fidget or squirm when sitting.

Young adolescents ...
change at different rates, according to highly internal "clocks," can be painfully self conscious and critical, and are vulnerable to bouts of low self-esteem.

Therefore they... need many varied opportunities to achieve and to have their competence recognized by others.

So they ... Example: Ask for affirmation on their work.

Young adolescents ...
develop secondary sex characteristics and the capacity to reproduce;

Therefore they... need time for self-definition; that is, time to reflect upon and absorb their new "look," and new reactions from others.

So they ... Example: Constantly look in mirrors.

Young adolescents ...
have new interests and abilities, as well as many new feelings, thoughts, and concerns about themselves and the world around them.

Therefore they... need opportunities to express creatively these new interests, thoughts, and emotions.

So they ... Example: Identify with characters in stories, videos and TV.

Young adolescents ...
identify with their peer group, and want to belong; develop deepening, mutual friendships.

Therefore they ... need opportunities to form positive relationships and experiences with peers.

So they ... Example: Resent being separated from "best friends.