Becomes more able to form stable sexual relationships.

Likely to have a serious boyfriend/ girlfriend and to spend more time with him or her.

Parents tend to worry about a too early or too serious commitment and fear that schoolwork may suffer.

Feels an adult on equal terms with the family.

Tends to feel he or she had insights into and experience of the world that parents may lack.

Parents may find themselves being condescended to and resent this role reversal.

Is almost ready to become an independent and self - reliant adult.

May want to leave the family home and find a place of his or her own.

Parents' own relationship may need some readjustment when their children finally leave home.