Teen growing up? Look for these milestones

Parenting a child is no easy task. But with teenagers, it's altogether another challenge.

As adolescents and tweens enter the teen years, they start to distance themselves and become a little more capable of taking care of themselves. Between tracking their academic assignments and prepping their future, it can get hard to spot the changes when they start to become tiny adults.

It's not puberty or growing height which sets them apart. Just like little babies, teenagers too have developmental milestones which parents should look for.

Teenage years are the age when the growth spurt really kicks off. With the onset of puberty, there are sizeable differences which you can spot in every teenage boy and girl. These milestones and changes continue happening for boys until later as opposed to girls and drain your teenager out. You will probably notice a change in their appetite, physical growth and weight. Teens also undergo a shift in their sleep cycle too, which is fairly common and nothing to worry about. Ensure that they have a good diet, engage in physical activity and avoid stress early on.

Teenage years also welcome in a rush of emotions for your children and it can take them a while to get accustomed to. If you think your child is acting up or showing mood swings, it's resultant of their emotions at play. They can experience days of being anxious, sad, dull or moody without any notice. Teen years can also be the time you might see them behave or react in a more impulsive manner.

This is also the time when teenagers are more prone to experience body image issues, self-confidence and esteem or look for negative coping mechanisms if they are struggling. You should be on the lookout for all these signs and help your child in need.

These are the real years when your not so little one starts blooming into a mini adult who begins to think or act on his own wish. Teens also develop a more nuanced, critical view of thinking. You can see your teen possibly think about the future, own up to or take responsibility for their action or be more affirmative in their views. These changes might not kick in overnight, but it's important to remember to be patient and observe your child's analytical thinking.

When teens grow, they start to feel more connected with their friends or peers than with the family. It's not just any phase but something that happens with every child as they grow up. Some might even start having romantic relationships. As they become aware of their self and their orientation, they can spark an interest in the opposite sex (which is completely normal) and like spending time outside the home.

As a parent, while it can seem baffling to see your child withdraw from your side, remember to not completely forbid them from doing what they want and instead, have an open mind.

Remember, not every child is the same and it doesn't mean that they grow up or have the same milestones as the others. Do not compare your child to another. If you are worried about growing apart from your child or not being able to know what's going on in their life, try to have a more open and honest conversation with them. This is the age where you have to build a fine balance as a parent and a friend in their life, guiding them to adulthood.