It's always tempting to tell your teenager to 'Act your age!' Finally, she's reaching the stage where 'acting her age' means thinking and behaving more like a grown-up.

The stroppy adolescent is on the way out. As she moves towards her 20s, your teenager gradually becomes less argumentative and more inclined to listen to you. She's more tolerant in most areas and generally more pleasant to have around the home.

Of course, now's the time she'll probably leave home either to go travelling, or start a new job or university course. This can be an anxious time for her as she faces new challenges and pressures alone.

Thinking of the future
Her logical thinking abilities begin to expand into practical living. She sets - and achieves - goals. She can organise her time and schedule to meet academic or work-related deadlines and becomes more reliable in most aspects of life. Generally speaking, she's a more capable person, equipped to take good care of herself.

The world outside your window
You may notice that your teenager spends more time reading the newspapers and discusses current events more frequently. Her interests are expanding beyond her own small world. She may begin to delve into other philosophical or spiritual areas of discussion - and often gets carried away with idealistic or revolutionary ideas.

• Development 15-17 Yrs: A Mind Of One's Own
• Development 15-17 Yrs: Social Life
• Development 15-17 Yrs: Sex & Relationships
• Development 18 Yrs Plus: Life Starts Here?