The ability to think "maturely" may begin around the ages of 11 or 12, but like every aspect of development, that may be different from person to person.

A famous Swiss psychologist, Jean Piaget, termed the shift to "adult thinking" as the transition from "concrete operations" to "formal operations".

But what does that mean to you and the people around you? At this time you'll be learning and absorbing a lot of different information, and you'll find that you have more of your own thoughts that you want to express, from what you've learned as well as what you have experienced.

As you learn that you have your own voice, you will probably want to test it out on parents - challenging traditional beliefs and authority. Sometimes it may come out in outbursts, smart retorts or angry words. While you may feel that you are assessing the situation better than 'adults' are, remember that your new ability to think contrary to their views is new for them - it may take some time for both sides to come to term with this new, more equal, thinking relationship. Remember to listen to both sides of the situation - there may be validity in each view!

See "Develop socially and emotionally" for more information about anger and emotions.

"When you're good to others, you are best to yourself " - Benjamin Franklin