Teenagers Puberty

Teenagers Puberty

• Puberty is the time when a child's body changes and starts to develop into adult size, shape and sexual potential. It can begin as early as nine or 10 years old or as late as 17 or 18. Usually girls reach puberty earlier than boys.
• Most children have a 'growth spurt' during puberty where:
  • they gain weight, then height and then muscle mass
  • their legs usually grow first, then the body
  • in girls, hips grow wider; in boys, shoulders grow broader
  • the head grows in length and breadth, the nose and jaw also grow
  • the first sign in girls is usually the growth of breasts
  • internal organs grow - the heart and lungs increase in size; sweat glands become more active especially those in the arm pits
  • the sex organs become much bigger; hair begins to grow in the groin area and armpits; last of all, for boys, hair grows on the face
  • a boy's voice will deepen.
• Growth at this time is very rapid. Young people have little time to adjust and are sometimes unaware of their size and strength. They tend to bump into things a lot and may break things without meaning to. They also need more food to fuel these changes.
• Young people may be embarrassed by the changes in their body. Parents need to prepare them to expect these changes and to be able to discuss openly any confusing feelings they may have.

Parenting tips & parenting articles copyright & courtesy
Department for Community Devlp, Australia.

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