Let’s talk about… Puberty
Puberty can be a confusing time for children as their bodies change.
Puberty usually occurs between the ages of 8-16, but each child is different and will go through it in their own time. You may notice that your child is starting to go through these changes whilst their friends might not be. This is completely normal, and not a cause for concern.
Puberty is the time in your child’s life where their body grows the fastest. It begins when their brain releases hormones that tell their body it’s time to change. This happens gradually over a period of time, so it may not be noticeable straight away.
What to look out for
Some of the changes you may notice include:
- Growing taller. This may happen slowly and steadily over time, or in growth spurts
- Growing hair in different places on their bodies
- Sweating more. This might mean they need to wash more frequently and start using deodorant
- Spots start to appear. There are lots of products that can help manage greasy skin. If it’s more serious, you may find it beneficial to make an appointment for your child to see your GP who may prescribe different treatments
- Greasier hair. Encouraging your child to wash their hair more frequently might help to manage this
- Changes in their emotions and feelings of attraction to others
- Starts to feel mixed feelings and experience mood changes. These are normal emotions, but if you have concerns or worries about your child’s mood, it may be beneficial to speak to someone about this
