It seems to most parents and adolescents that puberty is mostly about changes in the reproductive structures. That is true, but it is actually the brain that is orchestrating the maturing process. [Read more…]
A Difference in Height During Puberty Can Affect Adolescent Friendships
Although there are many similarities for girls and boys as they move through puberty, there is one obvious difference that happens as they experience growth spurts. During the early teen days of puberty, boys seem to still be so young and short, while many of the girls have already started their period and grown to their full height. [Read more…]
What is a Growth Spurt?
Your adolescent has probably heard you talk about growth spurts and it is certainly obvious when it happens, but do they know why they suddenly grow taller? [Read more…]
What’s the Difference Between Puberty and Adolescence?
The terminology can be confusing when your child is no longer a child. The next stage is called adolescence. It begins at about 10-years-old and lasts into their early 20’s. This is the age when their brain is rapidly developing and you will notice progressive changes almost daily as they mature during this time. They are becoming young adults.
Is It Time to Talk about Boys and Girls?
As you have observed, there is much going on in your daughter’s life during adolescence. One day she is a child, and it seems like overnight, she’s a teenager.
You are not the only one surprised by the changes in her. Friends who are boys, and have been friends of hers through the years, also notice that she is different now. Boys don’t enter puberty until about a year later than the girls, and that gap is obvious during the early days of puberty.
If your daughter is in the 10- to 12-year age group, I want to encourage you to begin having talks with her about her relationship with boys who have been her friends for a while. Teach her about the fact that they start puberty about a year later than her. The boys are going to be confused about why their friendship is changing and they will likely push back against the changes they see in her. Their insensitivity at times is going to annoy her. It might also increase the insecurity she is already feeling about herself during this important time of transition in her life.
Casual, brief chats at this young age with your daughter about her relationship with friends who are boys might make it more comfortable for her to talk with you in the future as those friendships become special. Keep it at the “girl talk” level and make the talks fun as you share your thoughts and maybe even a little about your own experiences.
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