Emotional and social development between ages 15 and 18 years

While older teens may seem mature at times, they often will still have periods of childish behavior. Those who have not yet established a personal identity and sense of independence may try defining themselves through rebellious or difficult behavior. Teens learn about themselves through expanding their relationships beyond close same-sex friendships and through exposure to different world views and lifestyles.

It is normal for teenagers to spend hours looking at themselves in the mirror. While parents often wonder if their teenagers are vain, this behavior is a way to "practice" and evaluate how they appear to others. Usually teens outgrow it as they mature.

Teens become more comfortable with their own identity in the later teen years, and their peers become less important. Teens begin to mix in different-sex groups and go out on one-on-one dates. They may form strong bonds with adult mentors or younger children. Teens learn about themselves through these relationships and through exposure to different world views and lifestyles.

In a natural step from childhood to adulthood, teens begin to seek intimate relationships, which become an important part of their identity. Some teens' emotional investment in such relationships is immense, which makes them vulnerable. Parents can help by recognizing when relationships are intensifying and talking openly, without judgment, about the possible future impacts.