Understanding teenagers is sometimes a difficult job


Just being a teenager means your body is constantly going through mega changes. During puberty the bones in your legs and arms grow long; if you're a girl, your hips widen, breasts start to develop, you get curvier, hair grows in new places, your waist becomes fuller, and you gain some weight; if you're a guy, your voice gets deeper, you'll gain a lot of weight, your muscles develop, your chest and shoulders get broader, and hair starts to grow under your arms, and on your legs and face. As well as the obvious physical changes you are experiencing, you're also faced with how you feel about yourself. It may feel weird to be filling out, like maybe you're getting fat, but remember this is all so normal.

It's natural to gain weight rapidly - usually 20 kg (45 lb) or more - during the pre-teen and early teenage years. Before puberty most girls have about 19 per cent body fat, the desired shape that's promoted in the media, and after puberty about 22 per cent body fat. This weight gain prepares your body for your monthly periods and, ultimately one day, for having a baby. So it's normal that the figure you have at fourteen won't be the same at age twenty-two. It's important to accept these changes as we grow up; everyone goes through it.

Remember there is perfection in all shapes and sizes. Your body type is uniquely yours, but, of course, your family genes help to determine your ultimate shape. Some girls have naturally larger builds and aren't meant to be skinny. Others are naturally really thin, and no matter how much they eat, they don't put on weight. The key is to accept and appreciate the body type you are, and move on to being as healthy and beautiful as you can be.

Be comfortable and enjoy your body and its abilities. The most beautiful women are those who have confidence and respect themselves, whatever their shape or size. Question the messages of advertisements. Instead of saying, ‘What's wrong with me?' ask, ‘What's wrong with this ad?' If you're sick of what you see in magazines, write in and tell them why it really bothers you. Set your own standards instead of letting someone else set them for you.

It's essential to take care of the outer stuff, but it's also super important to look after your inner self too. Your appearance is only one small factor that contributes to your confidence, happiness and success in life. Even though it sounds kind of uncool, beauty really does start on the inside. It's probably hard to focus on the whole inner-beauty stuff if you've got a horrible angry mess on your face - selfconfidence and self-esteem can take a huge hit if you've got acne.

We all have insecure moments; those times when we don't feel smart enough, attractive enough or good enough - and we feel like the whole world knows it. Don't worry, these feelings are so normal and all you need is a little positive self-talk to help you get through it. By using positive self-talk, you can instantly make yourself feel better. Look in the mirror and say: ‘I like myself' or ‘I like who I'm becoming' or ‘I will not allow acne to determine my sense of self' or ‘I may not like my skin at the moment, but it's already getting better.' It's all about being comfortable in your own skin.

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This article was sent to us by: Leona Richardson at 07092010

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