Becomes less self-absorbed, developing a greater ability to compromise.

More composed, equable, and tolerant. Can accept that others opinions, even if they are different from their own, may be equally valid.

Parents gradually find that the child is becoming easier to live with.

Learning to think independently and makes his or her own decisions.

Reluctant to let parents interfere or control his or her life. Less suggestible and less eager to conform. More discriminating. Friends are less likely to have a strong influence.

Parents have to learn to give up control and to trust the child.

Experiments continually to find self-image he or she feels comfortable with.

Clothes, hairstyles, attitudes, and opinions may change frequently.

Parents may take these frequent and often bizarre changes of image too seriously and worry that they may be permanent.

Needs to collect new experiences, test newer boundaries, take new risks

Likely to experiment with cigarettes and alcohol and to try soft drugs.

Anxious about risks, parents must decide how and when to set limits.

Self-consciousness recedes.

More sociable, less shy.

Parents may find a child is prepared to meet their friends.