What Every Pre-Teen Needs to Know Before Transitioning to a Teenager

Many pre-teens have had the feeling of being absolutely overjoyed and impatient about becoming a teenager. You may also think it will be easy. Or, you may feel scared, and wish you could go back in time to a younger age.

While transitioning to 13-14 can be a bit scary or exiting, there are certain things you may face that you will need to be aware of.

For starters, at this time you may feel invincible, like you can get away with doing anything. From personal experience, I've discovered this attitude can get you in a very dark place, very quickly.

For example, you may become interested in boy's/girl's. When this happens, you want to make sure you keep yourself under control, to avoid making sudden and dangerous mistakes. You always want to consider how you want to be seen by others, most likely by people who's opinions play big factors in your life. My advice, is to be considered as someone with a good head on your shoulders, respectful, and one who cannot be persuaded easily(without being arrogant), but also can be a fun and outgoing person. How you receive this image, is to always have self-respect. I also advise to stay a virgin, no matter how cute the guy may be, or how pretty and amazing that girl is. The consequences of losing your virginity are endless, and are definitely not worth a few hours, or more of pleasure. If you are a girl, becoming pregnant may be the first thing that comes to mind, how would you be able to handle this? Or if you are a guy, how long would you stick around with that girl, if that did happen? Girls, your reputation can be ruined in a matter of days no matter how much that guy promises to keep quiet. People will talk about you, and say the meanest things. And your worth in other people's eyes, will be lower than the dust. Boys, when you lose your virginity, you could lose a darn good chance of getting a special, sweet, loyal girlfriend, who will improve your life. And many other outcomes can come of this. And believe me, none of it is worth it.

Another danger, may be drugs or alcohol. When it may be suggested to you, refuse it. Yes, you may feel cool and will be able to fit in with the popular kids, but you want to consider the danger factor that can play in this. You could get an addiction, most drugs only take one try, and you can find yourself wanting more. Then it becomes a big problem and can lead you on a path that can ruin your life. This can be the same thing with alcohol. Or, once again, your reputation could be ruined. Or you may be caught by an adult, which will come with a lot of repercussions. You may think other friends or people around you will think you are cool. And maybe at first, yes. But after a while, rumors get spread. And in no time you will be seen as a bad influence many people will want to avoid. If you did try a drug or alcohol, the best thing to do is come clean with your parents, or a trusting adult. and stay away from those things, and work on being strong enough to say no the next time someone offers it to you.

Also, you may want to be seen as popular or cool to others around you. My advice is to never compromise yourself to fit other people's criteria. Never do things you know is wrong. And never try to be someone you are not. As long as you try to be the best you can be by being yourself, success is bound to come your way.

You may face bullying. While some may find being cruel to others enjoyable or a way to make themselves bigger,(when in all reality, they are only hurting themselves), others can find themselves as the victim. If you are suffering from bullying, never be afraid to stand up for yourself. But there are dangers of being bullied, it may push you into depression. And because of this, you may find cutting yourself as an outlet to feeling this way. NEVER cut yourself, always remember there is a reason you are being bullied, and that reason may be that others are jealous of you in many ways, because they see you as better looking, or they think you are smarter, etc.. None of this is any reason to feel bad or down about yourself. Stay strong, always keep in your mind that you have a purpose, and you are important to this world, no matter what anyone says. But, if in any case you find yourself falling into depression, it would be best to tell your parent or a trusting adult. Depression can be very dangerous.

When keeping all these dangers in mind, becoming a teenager may be easier and you may be more prepared for whatever may come at you. But you shouldn't feel scared or intimated about entering this next phase in your life. Becoming a teenager can be an amazing thing, while it has its ups and downs, many people know this to be the best time in their life. Being a teenager forms who you are going to be for the rest of your life and will always bring fun memories to your future years. Always take things a day at a time and be confident. Enjoy every day that comes. Embrace what's next. And always be open to trying new things that won't hurt you, and have fun.