Is My Kid on Track? The Right Weight, Size and Social Skills for 12-14 Year Olds

There are lots of changes going on in the teen years. You may be focused on the moodiness, but there are other things to watch. Check out these general guidelines for size, weight and social development for 12-14 year-olds.

Adolescence, Ages 12-14

Right Size: Girls this age tend to be nearly full-grown, at five feet to 5’3”; boys are typically 4’10”- 5’3”. Some kids, girls especially, who may have been tall for their age in fifth grade may already be at their adult height, and may be considered short or average when compared to their peers.

Right Weight: Girls may still be a skinny 95 pounds at age 12, and may gain as much as 20 pounds by age 14, weighing 115. Boys tend to weigh between 85-105 pounds, and will most likely hit a growth spurt around age 13. Because puberty may be in full swing at this age, it is common for both boys and girls to look a little heavier, as they are growing into their bodies.

Right On Track:  Kids at this age tend to focus on their friends & social life. Same-sex friendships are still extremely important, though they may change abruptly and cause drama.  Interest in the opposite sex is growing, as is their need for privacy. While the moods may change frequently, parents should be on the lookout for potential drug abuse or signs of depression.

Development Tracks for All Ages:

Right Weight, Right Size, Right on Track for 6-8 year olds

Right on Track: Development Milestones  for 9-11 Year Olds

The Teen Track: Right Weight, Right Size, Right Skills for 15-17 Year Olds