As kids grow into teenagers, their brains go through some big changes that affect how they think and act. This change is called the shift from concrete operational thinking to formal operational thinking.

When they are younger, kids think mostly about things they can see and touch. But as they enter their teenage years, they start to think more abstractly. This means they can consider ideas that aren't just right in front of them and think about possibilities that aren't real yet.

During this time, teens also get better at metacognition. This is a fancy word for thinking about your own thinking. They begin to understand their feelings and the feelings of others better. For example, when a young child sees a friend who is sad, they might just ask what’s wrong. In contrast, teenagers can think deeper about how their friend feels and even think about why their friend might be feeling that way.

Teens also develop stronger critical thinking skills. This helps them look at different sides of an issue and ask questions about what they see around them. They might argue about social issues, showing they can support their opinions with logical reasons rather than just emotions.

However, these changes can come with some challenges. Many teenagers become very self-aware and might worry about what their friends think of them. This can lead to feelings of anxiety and stress. Impulsivity is also a big concern. This means they might make quick decisions without thinking them through because their brains are still growing. The part of the brain that helps with decision-making, called the prefrontal cortex, is still developing during these years.

In short, the journey from childhood to being a teenager is full of growth and challenges. It includes learning to think about complex ideas, understanding emotions better, and becoming more critical thinkers. Although it can be hard to deal with these changes, they help lay the groundwork for better reasoning skills and personal growth in the future.