Early adolescence

by Gail A. Caissy

Moody, critical, rebellious, volatile, anxious, sarcastic. Do you know 10- to 15-year-old children who fit any or all of these descriptions? Early adolescence is a unique and significant period in human development, as it marks the end of childhood and the beginning of puberty. No longer children, yet not adults, young adolescents are in an insecure world somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow. As they attempt to cope with overwhelming emotional and physical changes, their resulting unpredictable behavior is likely to baffle and frustrate parents, other family members, and concerned adults. Early Adolescence: Understanding the 10 to 15 Year Old is both a comprehensive overview and an unerring understanding of the early adolescent as an awkward child "in transition." Dr. Gail A. Caissy, an esteemed educational consultant, compassionately explains the important areas of development - biological, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, psychological - as well as the inevitable differ