Responsibility is a concept usually aimed at adults, but during adolescence, preteens are introduced to a series of tests designed to prepare them for what lies ahead. The period from middle school to high school shows preteens and teens that they need to make appropriate decisions when situations arise in their lives. Taking responsibility for your own life is an ongoing challenge that takes time to get used to. Examples related to adolescents taking responsibility are manifested in social, health-related and academic aspects. Every age group has an innate desire to be completely independent from their superiors. In terms of young adult literature, "the second characteristic: 'Please, Mother, I want the credit!' » (Donelson 29) applies to the reader's desires and particularly towards young adults. This characteristic of young adult novels allows the reader to see how the main character(s) handle situations in which they were once inferior, and then had to adapt and, by default, take care of themselves. A list of ways to take care of yourself includes: “Learn to express your feelings. Avoid comparing yourself to others by admiring their gifts and ignoring your gifts. Form a small group of people you can call on for emotional support. Take the time to play. Don't forget to laugh, especially at yourself. Learn to relax. Protect your right to be human. Learn to say no. Change jobs if you are unhappy at work. Stretch your muscles. Practice being a positive and encouraging person. Pay attention to your spiritual life” (Maheu). Bullying is by far one of the many challenges that accompany the transition from elementary school to middle school, from middle school to high school, and sometimes from high school...... middle of paper. .....the." Dictionary.com full version. Random House, Inc. April 1, 2011. .Brakman, Anita, Kaiyti Duffy, and Melanie Gold. "New data emerges on adolescent sexual health." Topics for Teens EBSCOhost Web. April 19, 2011. Donelson, Kenneth L. and Alleen Pace. Boston: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon, 2005. Print. colleges | EHow.com.” EHow | How-to Videos, Articles and More - Trusted Tips for the Curious Life | EHow.com. February 26, 2011. Web. April 5, 2011. .Maheu, Marlene M. "12 Suggestions for Taking Care of Yourself | Articles." Self-Help from SelfhelpMagazine.com. April 23, 2009. Web. April 23. 2011. .