Your teen will be trying to get as much independence as possible. They may have pushed for this at younger ages, but the difference now is that they will not want to seek your permission. They’re beginning to think about what it will be like to live apart from you, and may observe upperclassmen at school and their decisions as guides in shaping their own future.
At This Stage, Your Teen May Be
- Physically mature or close to it (Most girls will have completed puberty by now. Boys might still be maturing physically.)
- Showing concerns about body size, shape or weight (Eating disorders also can be common at this stage, especially among girls.)
- Experiencing more sexual feelings, including showing more interest in romantic relationships and exploring their own sexuality
- Spending less time with you and more time with their friends (Don’t take it personally.)
- Showing a reluctance to communicate with you
- Developing a unique personality and opinions, and developing interests that help indicate they have a clearer sense of whom they are
- Starting a job on the side
Keep Your Teen Safe
Regardless of pushback you may receive from your teen, you are still the parent, and you’re responsible for their safety. Here are some issues that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) commonly sees among kids at this age:
- Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among young people age 15 through 24. Talk with your teen about suicide and pay attention to warning signs, such as extreme mood swings; talk of feeling trapped, feeling hopeless or being in unbearable pain; or reckless behavior. For more information, go to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network website. If you think your child is having thoughts of suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death from unintentional injury among teens, yet few teens take measures to reduce their risk of injury. You can steer your teen in the right direction by talking to them about the rules of the road, and by setting a good example when you’re driving them. The CDC’s page "Parents Are the Key" provides more information.
- Know where your teen is and whether a responsible adult is present. Make plans with them for when they’ll call you, where you can find them and what time you expect them home.
Graduated Driver License Program
Your 15-year-old is eligible to apply for a Learner Permit under the Graduated Driver License Program with your permission. Several restrictions are in place to keep your teen safe while they earn experience on the road. Learn more about the Graduated Driver License Program, what is required to receive a Learner Permit, and the safety regulations for teen drivers here. To see the driver handbook and study guide, plus practice exams, click here.
Healthy Bodies
Encourage family meals. Eating together will help your teen make better choices about the foods they eat, promote healthy weight and give family members time to talk. The CDC says, “A teen who eats meals with the family is more likely to get better grades and less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs, and also less likely to get into fights, think about suicide or engage in sexual activity.”
Your teen should have enough sleep. Aim for nine hours of sleep per night—and one hour or more of physical activity each day.
Start talking to your teen about their taking more control over their own health care.Tell them that the decisions they make about diet, exercise, smoking, sex, drugs and alcohol have long-term consequences. Also, let them take time to talk to their doctor privately—they may be more comfortable bringing up sensitive questions.
Help Your Teen Grow
Show interest in your teen’s activities and interests. Give positive reinforcement on their efforts and accomplishments.
Encourage your teen to volunteer in the community. This could give them even more opportunities to expand their world, give them a sense of purpose and allow them to meet other people.
Try talking with them to prepare them for difficult or uncomfortable situations. For example, discuss how they could react if they were in a group and didn’t want to go along with someone who was pressuring them to drink or have sex. But if they don’t want to talk about important issues, don’t force it, unless you feel your teen might be in trouble. Tell them that you’re always available to them and support them, and back it up with your actions.
Respect your teen’s opinion. Listen to them and don’t downplay any concerns they might have.
School Success
To see what to expect from high school English language arts and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
To see what to expect from high school math and to learn how you can support your child’s school success, visit PTA.org.
Entering the Workforce
In Tennessee, a minor must be 14 years of age before they can work. However, there are limits to the amount of time your teen may spend on the job while under the age of 16. Some of the restrictions for 14- and 15-year-olds are:
When School Is in Session:
- Can work no more than three hours per day
- Can work no more than 18 hours a week
- Can work no later than 7 p.m.
When School Is Not in Session:
- Can work no more than eight hours a day
- Can work no more than 40 hours per week
- Can work no later than 9 p.m.
The state of Tennessee does not require work permits. Your teen will need to provide their prospective employer with a copy one of the following documents as proof of age: birth certificate, driver’s license, state-issued ID or a copy of their passport.
Talk to Your Teen About Higher Education
Begin a conversation with your teen about their future, and how higher education can help them achieve their goals. A college education is within reach for all Tennessee teens, thanks to Tennessee Promise, a program that Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam launched and then signed into law to give high school graduates in the state the opportunity to attend a two-year community or technical college free of tuition and fees.
Tennessee Promise is both a scholarship and mentoring program, and will go into effect beginning with the high school graduating class of 2015. Learn more about Tennessee Promise and how to apply here.