Let's learn about puberty? Special for parents and children!

You may be feeling the growing up of your daughter or son. The clothes you wore as a child are no longer enough, your voice is changing, and you can see small changes in your behavior. This is a very important, yet somewhat complicated time in everyone's life. We call this puberty. This is one of the most important milestones in the journey from a child to an adult. Today, we will talk about this in a simple way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is puberty?

Puberty is the natural process by which your child's body transitions from childhood to adulthood. During this time, there are major changes in the body's hormones. These hormonal changes cause the child to become physically and mentally sexually mature. Simply put, it is during this time that the body becomes an adult, capable of producing children.

These changes don't happen to everyone in the same way, at the same time. It doesn't happen to a girl the same way it does to a boy. Also, the age at which these changes start and the speed at which they occur can vary from child to child.

In this article, we refer to "girls" as those who are born with ovaries and naturally produce the hormone estrogen. "Boys" refer to those who are born with testes and naturally produce the hormone testosterone.

What is the purpose of adulthood?

This is the natural process by which our bodies become adults. It is during this time that our major organs and body systems are fully developed and the body is prepared for sexual reproduction. Not only physically, but also mentally and emotionally, great progress occurs during this time.

How does this process begin?

It all starts with a small control center in our brain called the hypothalamus , which starts producing a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) .

This GnRH hormone sends a signal to the pituitary gland, another gland in the brain. When it receives that signal, the pituitary gland produces two other hormones.

1. Luteinizing hormone (LH)

2. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

These two hormones travel through the bloodstream and affect the sex organs, the ovaries in girls and the testicles in boys. These organs then increase the production of sex hormones, estrogen or testosterone . All the physical changes we see during puberty are due to these hormones.

When do girls start puberty?

Most girls start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13. This is usually about two years earlier than boys.

When do boys start puberty?

This process usually begins between the ages of 9 and 14 for boys.

What are Tanner Stages?

Tanner Staging is a method used by doctors to monitor and record a child's puberty. It divides the child's body into 5 stages, showing the order in which sexual characteristics develop.

But remember, this is just a guideline. Every child goes through these stages at their own pace. So your child may not fit the exact timeline of these stages. That's normal.

Tanner Stages in Girls

Breast and pubic hair development in girls are considered in separate stages. The table below will give you a good idea of ​​the changes you can expect in your daughter's body.

Tanner Stages in Boys

Male genital and pubic hair growth are treated separately. The table below will give you a clear idea of ​​the changes you can expect in your son's body.

How does puberty affect emotions?

During this time, the child's body is going through a hormonal storm. This can cause emotions to go up and down very quickly. They may get angry over small things, feel sad, and want to be alone. This behavior can also lead to conflicts with other family members.

The child becomes very confused about who they are and their place in society. They experience a variety of emotions (desire, fear, curiosity) about their changing body and sexuality.

When does puberty end? How long does it last?

This process usually ends when girls are 15-17 years old, and boys are 16-17 years old. Overall, puberty lasts between 2 and 5 years . But remember, every child is different. So this time can vary from child to child.

What are the problems associated with puberty?

There are two main problems.

1. Precocious Puberty: Showing signs of puberty before the age of 8 for a girl or 9 for a boy.

2. Delayed Puberty: Failure to develop breasts by the age of 13 in a girl or failure to develop genitals by the age of 14 in a boy.

These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, tumors in the hormone-producing glands, and sometimes no cause can be found.

When do you need to see a doctor?

It is very important to seek medical advice if your child has any of the following:

• Severe, uncontrollable acne.
• Unbearable pain when climbing.
• Symptoms of mental problems such as depression and anxiety.
• A girl's menstrual cycle may be irregular even after the first year of menstruation.
• Severe pain with menstruation.

Also, be careful about this:

• If your son is showing signs of puberty before the age of 9 .
• If your son is 15 years old and has no symptoms.
• If your daughter is showing signs of puberty before the age of 8 .
• If your daughter is 13 years old and has no symptoms.

How can you as parents help your child?

This can be a challenging time for both you and your child. Here's how you can help your child:

• Talk openly: Talk to your child about changes in their body early, simply, and in a way that doesn't scare them.
• Provide education: Talk about sexual reproduction, safe sex, and the importance of consent. It's much more valuable for your child to learn these things from you than from someone else.
• Be strong: When your child feels scared or confused, understand them and reassure them that those feelings are normal.
• Be a good role model: Set an example for your child by thinking positively about their body and living a healthy lifestyle.
• Respect privacy: Children need their own personal space and freedom during this time. Respect that.
• Set boundaries: Set appropriate boundaries where necessary for the child's safety.

Puberty is a very exciting and challenging time for your child and your family. If you or your child has any questions or concerns during this journey, never hesitate to talk to a doctor.