The most difficult and controversial period of growing up of our children is puberty. At this time, everything changes: from the behavior of the child to the rules of personal hygiene of adolescents. In girls and boys, it occurs at different times. To know how to properly respond to emotional outbursts and changes in the child's sexual development, we give you a few recommendations. What should you pay attention to during puberty? Differences in the onset of puberty in girls and boys.
Common signs of puberty for both sexes
During puberty, adolescents begin to produce large amounts of hormones. The endocrine system, led by the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland, works vigorously. All these changes lead to very rapid physical development and growth.
The sex glands are also included in the work under the "guidance" of the pituitary gland: in boys - the testes, in girls - the ovaries. Teenagers are preparing for the main function of a person - reproduction. On average, this period can last up to 5 years.
Heredity has a great influence at this time. If the parents were subject to any deviations during this period, then with a 50% probability this will affect the children too. In the case, as it may seem to you, of a delay in sexual development, remember yourself and analyze when you began to grow up before sounding the alarm.
Of the unpleasant consequences may be the appearance of acne. Here, too, heredity is very important, if you remember how you suffered from acne, then your child may also suffer such a fate. In this case, it is worth paying attention to a healthy diet (it is desirable to reduce the amount of sweets) and skin care.
In addition to physiological changes, the psycho-emotional background also undergoes changes. Usually a calm child can show aggression and dissatisfaction with himself, while others, on the contrary, become depressed and think about the transience of life.
Interpersonal problems arise, the first sexual experience appears, emphasizes estet-portal.com. Therefore, it is very important not to miss the moment and tell your offspring in time what physiological changes await him and discuss contraceptive issues.
Boys' puberty
Usually, boys begin to develop between 11 and 18 years old, but sometimes this process is delayed and starts at 14-15 years old, this is also normal. There is an intensive production of the main male hormones, which leads to an increase in the genital organs (testicles and penis), muscle tissue, and expansion of the skeletal system. The voice also undergoes changes, it “breaks”, becomes rougher.
Rapid growth of hair begins on the body, under the armpits and in the inguinal zone. Facial hair takes shape, first a youthful “fluff”, which then transforms into a stiffer bristle.
Sharp jumps in growth can be observed from 10-11 years old (an increase of about 10 cm) and at 13 years old (an increase of 7-8 cm). From the age of 14, the boy feels the appearance of wet dreams, 2-3 times a month.
Teach your child the new rules of personal hygiene for him: shaving, caring for the armpits and genitals. Explain the appearance of sexual desire and the possibility of onanism so that the son does not turn into a neurotic against the backdrop of raging hormones.
Girls' puberty
Girls are known to be 1.5 years ahead of boys in sexual development. They begin to change from 9 to 16 years. Female secondary sexual characteristics are intensively developing: the mammary glands grow, hair under the arms and on the pubis appears, the forms are rounded, the pelvic region expands.
Growth spurts, like in boys, occur very rapidly at 7-10 centimeters in 1 year, then there is a gradual increase of 1-2 centimeters annually. At first, some awkwardness is noticed in girls, since the hands and feet, as well as the facial bones, grow faster than the main skeleton.
The menstrual cycle can start from 12 to 14 years old, sometimes later. At first, menstruation may have an irregular manifestation, but a full cycle of 28 days is established after 2-3 years. The girl becomes a woman capable of childbearing. During this period, it is also important to teach the girl to take care of herself, to use pads.
However, despite the physical readiness of both sexes to procreate, real puberty in adolescents comes much later. In girls at 18-20 years old, in boys at 20-24 years old. Then both psychological factors and physical ones come into a state of relative harmony.
It is very important to pay attention to the emotional state of the child, puberty is a very impressionable and vulnerable age. At this age, children often create idols for themselves and follow them, copying the way they dress, lifestyle and bad habits. So that your child does not get carried away by interests that are dangerous for him, talk to him more, try to give him maximum attention, delve into his problems.
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