What is puberty?Puberty is the time when your child moves through a series of significant, natural and healthy changes. These physical, psychological and emotional changes are a sign that your child is moving from childhood towards adulthood. Show Changes in puberty include:
When does puberty start?Puberty starts when changes in your child’s brain cause sex hormones to start being released from the gonads, which are the ovaries and testes. This typically happens around 10-11 years for girls and around 11-12 years for boys. But it’s normal for the start of puberty to range from 8-13 years in girls and 9-14 years in boys. There’s no way of knowing exactly when your child will start puberty. Early changes in your child’s brain and hormone levels can’t be seen from the outside, so it’s easy to think that puberty hasn’t started. Puberty can be completed in about 18 months, or it can take up to 5 years. This range is also completely normal. In girls, these are the main external physical changes in puberty that you can expect. Around 10-11 years
Around 12-14 years (about two years after breast development starts)
Boys: key physical changes in pubertyIn boys, these are the main external physical changes in puberty that you can expect. Around 11-12 years
Around 12-14 years
Around 13-15 years
Around 14-15 years The start and stages of puberty happen at different times for different children. But if you’re worried that your child is starting puberty early or late, it’s a good idea to talk to your GP. Other physical changes in puberty: inside and outBrain Bones, organs and body systems Clumsiness Physical strength Weight Sleep patterns Sweat Skin and hair Children might find their hair gets oilier, and they need to wash it more. This is normal. Teeth You can support your child during puberty by talking about puberty and encouraging healthy eating, physical activity and healthy sleep routines. Puberty and children with additional needsChildren with additional needs are likely to go through the physical changes of puberty in the same way as other children. Some children might have delayed physical development because of chronic health problems, which might cause a delay in the onset of puberty. How your child manages puberty emotionally might also be affected by additional needs. A health professional can answer any questions you have about this. Your GP or other health professionals working with your child can help. You might like to read more about preparing autistic children for puberty, preparing autistic girls for periods and helping autistic teenagers learn about personal hygiene. |