Requirements for Healthy Developement of Adolescent Youth

The article "Requirements for Healthy Development of Adolescent Youth" began by defining an adolescence. The age began with 12 as early adolescents and ended with 22 as late adolescents. As a 22 year old, the idea of still being an adolescent is probably frightening, but I agree with the statement. A 22 year old is for the most part still trying to find a career and make decisions that will effect the rest of his/her life. The author continued to discuss the differences between each person although there are some common factors. Many of us come from the same background which allows for common factors, but that doesn't mean we are the same person. Allowing for differences especially in adolescents is key. There is no one variety of teenager that is perfect. They are all learning who they are and what they want to be. Of all the important information the author gave, the part that stuck with me the most was how she identified the age of adolscence as the Age of Commitment. I have really never thought about it before, but this statement is so true. They begin to make commitments to friends, to a school, and to a career, all while they are breaking away from some of the protection offered by family members. This article gave me some insight into my students and my own children.