Eighth Grade (12-14)

Wide differences in the rate of physical growth among individuals; girls 95% of mature height is average; boys - voice change; growth about a year behind girls
Skin problems emerging; hygiene a key issue
Hormonal/physical demands of puberty may slow intellectual growth
Short term thinking may predominate over long term planning
Abstract reasoning and “formal operations” begin to be functional in some thirteen year old.

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13 Year Old Milestones for Boys

An eighth-grader's withdrawn nature protects his developing self-concept and any intellectual ideas that might not yet be fully formed.
Abstract reasoning and "formal operations" will begin to come into play.
Although your teen might take a tentative approach to difficult intellectual tasks, he won't be willing to take big risks when learning.
Thirteen-year-old like to challenge intellectual and social authority.
learn best when actively involved with ideas connected to their personal lives
Respond well to academic variety and change

Begin developing more mature thinking skills and may start setting goals for the future.
Struggle with sense of identity
Feel unique, believing that no one has ever felt as they do, suffered so much, loved so deeply, or been so misunderstood
Convinced that everyone else is watching and judging

Peer relations/peer pressure (being “cool”):
Close friendships gain importance
Search for new people to love in addition to parents
Often embarrassed to be seen with parents; critical of parental dress, habits, friends, ideas
Complain that parents interfere with independence; rules and limits are tested
Peer group influences interests and clothing styles