Puberty, we all go through it. Some have it worse than others, but we still all have to go through it during our lives. While teenagers are growing up, parents are pulling their hair out trying to figure out what they need to do during this transition in their child’s life. It can be stressful, it can get overwhelming at times, if you learn how to deal with it and not over react. It goes by smoother than you would imagine.
Whether you have a boy or a girl who is in puberty, the effects on their bodies can be a tremendous change. Being educated and aware of what to do during puberty is a key factor in getting through it smoothly. Before coping with the signs, you first must understand what is going to happen or is happening.
Puberty signs in girls 12-19 years-old
Rapid growth in height and weight.
Breasts begin to enlarge.
Pubic hair as well as underarm hair begins to grow.
Menstrual cycle begins.
Heightened sense of self awareness.
Acne or break outs begin to occur.
Attitude may change slightly.
Puberty signs in boys 12-19 years-old
Rapid growth in height and weight.
Voice change
Could have lumps underneath their nipples.
Acne or break outs begin to occur.
Heightened sense of self-awareness.
Involuntary erections.
Wet dreams
Attitude may change slightly.
Dealing with such sudden changes can be extremely stressful for the teenager as well as the parent. You have to remember is that it is a normal process of growing up. Do not over react when they do something that is not in character. Many times during puberty, boys and girls will act like a completely different child.
1. Educate her on menstruation, and what she needs to do when she gets it. Be serious, make sure that she completely understands what you are talking about. If she is having a problem understanding, ask her to ask you the questions.
2. Boys may become uncomfortable with the fact that their having erections or wet dreams. Do not make a huge spectacle of the situation if it happens. The more you embarrass them, the less they are to confide in you. Be sympathetic and allow them to discuss or not discuss the situation.
3. Reassure he/she that the changes in their body are a normal part of the process of becoming adults.
4. If break outs occur, provide your teenagers with the necessary items needed to control it. Read up on the latest medications and preventive medications if necessary. Many teenagers who do get acne or break outs can lose self-confidence. Catch it before it gets any worse.
5. Let them be self-expressive while going through puberty. If they want to wear clothing that is off the wall, then let them. If they want to wear make-up that looks different, then let them. Self-expression is your teenagers way of finding out who they are. Do not stop that purely because you do not like it.
6. Never tease or embarrass them by things such as their voice changing, or the beginning of their period, or anything that has to do with puberty. Teenagers can be very emotional during this part of their life. The happier you try to keep them, the better off they are.
7. Do not over react when he/she gives you an attitude out of the blue, or just does not want to talk. The hormonal changes in your teenagers body can be very intense at times. This can lead to many outbursts or anger and or crying. If this happens, console them if needed or just let them calm down on their own. As a parent you should know when to step in or when to step away.
The most important thing to remember is your teenager is becoming an adult. Remember yourself what it felt like to feel as if you were not understood. Let them enjoy their last years as children by being there when you are needed, and knowing when to not be there. If you do this, your teenager will see that you respect them, and they in turn will respect you back.
