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Teen (13-18 years)

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<p>The teen years can be challenging for your child, and for you. Learn how you can guide your teenager to follow nutrition guidelines, develop good sleep habits, manage their mental health and make safe lifestyle decisions.</p>

<div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Common health problems</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Learn about health conditions such as sleep problems, headaches and sexually transmitted infections.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=29&language=English">Headache</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=25&language=English">Human papilloma virus (HPV) and genital warts</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=27&language=English">Pierced ear infection</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=306&language=English">Sleeping problems</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3948&language=English">Caring for dental braces while travelling and away from home</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Gender and identity</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Read about sex, gender and sexual orientation to better understand the complete story of who your child is on the inside and how they want to present to the world.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3965&language=English">Sex, gender and sexual orientation: An Overview</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3966&language=English">Questioning gender and identifying as transgender</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3967&language=English">Gender transitioning</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3968&language=English">Using gender-inclusive language</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3969&language=English">Gender and identity: Support and resources</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3979&language=English">Helping your teen share personal information, come out and deal with being outed</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3980&language=English">The right to safe spaces</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Letting your teen become more independent</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Growing children need to learn some important skills for adulthood, especially if they have a long-term health condition. This section describes the factors that help your teen become more independent and what to do if you are concerned about their wellbeing and self-care.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2425&language=English">How a teen becomes more independent</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2433&language=English">Managing concerns about your teen's wellbeing</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2428&language=English">Supporting your teen to develop new health-care skills</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2434&language=English">Motivating your teen to develop new skills</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2435&language=English">What to do when your teen is not learning new healthcare skills</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=2426&language=English">How hospitals support teen independence</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Mental health</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Learn how to support your teen if they are experiencing anxiety, depression or bullying and how to support a healthy, safe use of social media.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=18&language=English">Anxiety</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=303&language=English">Bullying</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=19&language=English">Depression</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3663&language=English">Substance use disorder</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=291&language=English">Suicide in children and teens</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Puberty</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find out about the physical and emotional changes in boys and girls and how they are linked with puberty.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=624&language=English">Stages of puberty in boys</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=299&language=English">Menstruation</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=300&language=English">Menstruation and developmental disability: Advice for parents of adolescent girls</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=623&language=English">Puberty in girls</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4138&language=English">Body piercing</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4137&language=English">Tattoos</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Relationships and sexuality</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find out how to guide your teen to make safe choices and understand the importance of consent.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=716&language=English">Sex education: What children should learn and when</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=718&language=English">Sex education for children: Why parents should talk to their kids about sex</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=717&language=English">Sex education for children: Eight tips for parents</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4139&language=English">Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=345&language=English">Pregnancy in teenagers</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://hollandbloorview.ca/disability-sexuality-resource-hub">Disability and sexuality resource hub (Holland Bloorview)</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="https://hollandbloorview.ca/disability-sexuality-resource-hub/sexuality-guides">“Becoming You: Exploring sexuality and disability for pre-teens” book (Holland Bloorview)</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Routine health in teenagers</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Find out about healthy nutrition choices and good sleep habits for teens.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=638&language=English">Healthy eating for teens</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=647&language=English">Sleep tips: How to help your teen get a good night's sleep</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Substance use</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Substance use is the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs for pleasure or enjoyment. Learn about how to talk to your teen about the use of substances.</p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3665&language=English">Substance use disorder: How to help your teen at home</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=4043&language=English">Cannabis: How to talk with your teen</a></li></ol></div><div class="panel panel-primary"><div class="panel-heading clickable"> <span class="pull-right panel-heading-collapsable-icon"> <i class="mdi mdi-chevron-down"></i></span><h2 class="panel-title">Transitioning through the health-care system</h2></div><div class="panel-body list-group" style="display:none;"><p>Learn what to expect when your child transitions through the health-care system and when they make the switch to adult care. Find out how to prepare your child for taking charge of their own care. </p></div><ol class="list-group" style="display:none;"><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3924&language=English">Transitioning to adult care</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3925&language=English">Helping your child transition through health care: Children </a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3926&language=English">Helping your child transition through health care: Teens</a></li><li class="list-group-item"><a class="overview-links" href="/Article?contentid=3927&language=English">Transitioning to adult care: Resources</a></li></ol></div>

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yourteen

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<span class="recognition-text">Production and maintenance of these articles were made possible in part by a grant provided by <a href="/Sponsors#td">TD Bank Group</a>. SickKids is grateful for the generous support of our corporate partners but does not endorse specific products or services, nor receive any editorial direction from its sponsors.</span>