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Puberty is the time of life when people develop physically and sexually so that they can have children. It is the time when male and female sex characteristics appear and when changes in the sexual organs occur.
Puberty is the entire process of changes affecting the body and its hormones that accompany sexual maturation. In general, puberty usually starts for girls between the ages of 9 and 11, and for most boys between the ages of 9½ and 13, although the exact age at which puberty starts varies widely among individuals.
Having an adolescent often brings up parents' uncomfortable memories of going through puberty themselves. Fortunately, education and support for adolescents during this period of life are becoming increasingly common. But adolescents still need parental guidance about what to expect and assurance that everyone goes through similar changes during puberty.
Here are some ways you can help your child.
Instead of overloading your child in one sitting, talk to your child over a period of a year or two about changes that are upcoming. Offer your child books about puberty that are geared toward teens, and set a time to talk about what your child learned.
Your child will know that Mom and Dad went through this time too.
Young adolescents may not be aware of developing body odour and the need for deodorants and more frequent bathing.
Your child may develop pimples, whiteheads and blackheads, or acne.
Let your child know that you are there to help and will not tease or ridicule.
Current as of: October 24, 2023
Author: Healthwise StaffClinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review BoardAll Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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