But you’re not the only one who’s confused. Your parents are also unsure of you at this time. There are times when they don’t know what to think about your new independence, especially about relationships with people outside the family and the opinions you form.

During adolescence, teenagers and their parents have to gradually change the way they relate to each other.

During puberty teenagers face rapid physical changes to their body including increased body hair, voice changes for boys, and for girls, the development of breasts and the start of periods.

Technically speaking, puberty begins for girls when their periods start, on average at the age of 13, and for most boys, puberty begins at about the age of 15 when their bodies begin producing sperm.

One of the biggest tasks you will face is finding your own identity — that is, who you are. You may ask yourself all sorts of questions to work this out.

Can I make it on my own? Will I be a success? Am I lovable? Am I dumb? Am I what I imagine I will be? Am I the hero of my dreams? Am I what my parents say I am? Am I really like my friends say?