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one's penis and testicles, accelerated linear growth and the bulking up of
muscles. Onset typically begins between 11 and 16 years of age and an
average 1 to 1 1/2 years after the typical age of girls. This explains why at these
earlier ages girls tend to be taller and more social than boys. Events like ill
timed erections, nocturnal emissions (wet dreams) and masturbation all are
normal, however, it is also normal for them not to occur.

Adolescence regardless of gender is a time of confusion in which the participant
wants to be both an adult and a child. During this time a parent's ability to
provide roots and wings are tried to the extreme.

One word of caution, while anabolic steroids may add to muscle bulk and
strength in the short run, they are illegal, are not effective in the long run and
have serious life time complications which clearly make them not just ill advised

but NOT advised at all.

4. Sexuality
As your child gets older questions about puberty, reproduction and sexuality are
normal and ought to be discussed openly. It is appropriate to introduce this topic

when your child is 8 - 10years ofage. Many m^hs, rumors and fears develop

out of ignorance. Giving your child reasonable and honest information about
puberty and their reproductive system is the only realistic approach.

It is your job, as parents, to educate your children on the responsibilities of
human sexuality including: avoidance of pregnancy and sexually transmitted

diseases such as AIDS.

Remember you can advise and inform, but your teenager will ultimately make
these decisions based upon their beliefs and moral standards. Therefore,
imparting these values early is the only effective way of possibly influencing your

child's ultimate behavior.

5. Substance Abuse

Substances such as cigarettes, alcohol and drugs all have the potential for
abuse. As a parent, it is your responsibility to give to your child information of the
dangers of these substances.

By increasing their awareness you have given them the tools necessary to make

a wiser decision.

Adolescents will always be risk takers and experimenters, but by giving them an
appropriate knowledge base you can minimize their risks.

Remember you, as parents, are role models for your children. Your indulgence
in these substances increases the likelihood of similar behaviors in your

children.

6. Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia

Anorexia nervosa is a complex eating disorder that usually occurs in
adolescents. There is extreme fear of being ovenA^eight and aversion to food,
causing progressive, severe loss of weight. The individual denies that anything

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