Puberty is the time when children begin to grow into young adults. Many physical changes happen, including general growth and sexual development. These changes can cause a lot of anxiety, especially since some young people develop earlier or later than their friends. Both teens and parents need to be armed with the facts in order to deal with this exciting, yet sometimes difficult phase.
Definition
Puberty is the term for the time when the body begins to prepare for the ability to reproduce. Changes in the way that young people think, and interact with others, also occur during puberty.
When Does It Happen?
The average range of the onset of puberty is 8 to 14 years of age, give or take a year or two. Girls often begin puberty sooner than boys.
First Signs for Girls
Girls' first clue that puberty is beginning is the growth of small breasts. Menstruation comes much later, along with pubic and underarm hair.
First Signs for Boys
Boys may even see some slight swelling in the breast area; this is totally normal and temporary. They will also experience the growth of pubic and underarm hair, as well as facial hair growth.
Other Changes
Boys and girls will begin to grow in height and body size, and sexual feelings begin to emerge. Boys' voices begin to change during this period, and erections and wet dreams start to happen as sperm production begins. In girls, it becomes possible to have babies after menstruation occurs, and eggs are released from the ovaries. Both boys and girls usually experience oily skin and acne.
Everyone is Different
Everyone develops at a different pace, according to his or her own body's timetable. Part of puberty is accepting the fact that people come in all shapes and sizes, and that each person is completely unique.
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