The basis for teenage behaviour lies at least in part in the developmental process of adolescence. As every parent of a teenager knows, adolescence is not just a time of rapid growth and sexual maturation. It is also a period of psychological, emotional and social development. This development is just as important for the teenager as physical growth.

Adolescents have to proceed through a number of emotional developmental changes if they are to become mature adults. In many ways this is similar to the toddler as he passes from baby dependence to the independence of self-feeding, toileting and going off to kindergarten. Adolescents also have to achieve independence from their parents and they can make even more fuss in doing so. Teenagers must also establish their own self-esteem, measuring up with others of their age. They have to work out their own sexual feelings and develop a mature attitude to sex as part of a relationship with someone else. They have to work out where they are going, who they are and what their life career will be. They have to do all these things in a few turbulent teenage years with all the stresses of competitive school life and uncertain employment prospects.

It is no wonder that on top of all this a teenager with diabetes may have little time for sticking to all the rules of diabetic control. No wonder, in sorting out priorities, adolescent development may have a higher rating than exact diet and regular blood tests.

Fortunately for parents, adolescence only lasts a few years, but it is also a rewarding and entertaining time for the family. At this time it is important to set realistic goals for care of the diabetes. Realize that precise compliance probably isn’t possible just yet, but will occur later. Recognize that it is probably more important to be a parent and let your child’s doctor act the part of diabetes watch-dog.

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