Introduction
Puberty is when your body matures into the body of an adult. It usually happens between ages 10 to 14 in girls and ages 12 to 16 in boys. Often referred to as adolescence, these years are an exciting time of many rapid changes. You grow taller and stronger and also start to feel and think in more mature ways. Your parents may also feel amazed as they watch you begin to turn into an adult.
But this can also be a confusing time for you, as well as your parents. All of you must get used to the new person you're becoming.
Factors to Consider
There are four main areas of development during puberty: physical, cognitive, emotional/social and sensory/motor.
Numerous physical developments occur, including a growth spurt that usually happens just before puberty. Breast development and menstruation begin for girls, and facial hair starts to develop for boys. Both girls and boys begin to grow pubic hair. Boys are often shorter in stature than girls during adolescence but are usually taller by the time puberty ends.
Cognitive developments take place in the brain. Girls and boys further develop their abilities to think, learn, reason and remember. Adolescents are often more focussed on the moment, but they begin to see that their actions and decisions now can have an effect on their short- and long-term future and that of others. They also start to see that issues of right and wrong are not necessarily black and white and that things can be seen and understood in different ways by different people.
Emotional and social development becomes more complex as children move through adolescence. Girls and boys begin to gradually separate from the family, becoming more independent and relying more on peers for emotional support. Friends sometimes become a more important source of advice than parents, and many adolescents prefer spending more time by themselves than with the family. Still, family support remains important in helping them build a strong identity and individual personality.
Sensory and motor developments also occur. Boys, in particular, may become somewhat awkward or clumsy as they grow rapidly in stature. The brain requires time to adjust to this growth. Exercise and sports can help with coordination and also help adolescents to develop healthy habits.
What You Can Do: Kids
The way puberty will affect you depends partly on when it occurs. It helps if you know what changes are likely to occur. Ask your parents for books, about their experiences, and whether being worried and unsure of yourself are normal feelings during adolescence. Remember that your parents will be changing, too, as they work on their evolving relationship with you.
Although your body is changing, learn to like and accept yourself the way you are.
Become educated about sex, sexually transmitted diseases and safe-sex practices.
Start setting personal and career goals.
Find healthy alternatives to junk food. Drink water instead of pop.
Engage in 30-60 minutes of physical activity daily.
Keep a personal journal in which you can express your feelings.
Don't give in to peer pressure to smoke, drink or do drugs. It�s far cooler to be your own person and take responsibility for your health.
If you're feeling confused or lonely, talk to a trusted adult, such as a parent, coach, guidance counsellor or religious leader.
What You Can Do: Parents
Being the parent of an adolescent can be challenging. Even if your child pushes you away at times, you still play a very big role in your child�s life. Try to stay positive and keep the lines of communication open. While it's good to let your child make many decisions, realize that adolescents need and want limits that are fair and firm.
Help your adolescent to develop healthy eating habits and a healthy body image. Give them a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables and make healthy foods readily available. Model healthy eating habits.
Urge your child to get some exercise every day and set an example for them.
Ensure your adolescent gets enough rest. Limit their time on the phone and the computer.
Encourage mature thinking. Help your child to consider the consequences of actions and decisions, and involve them in decision-making and setting rules around the house when appropriate.
Discuss current issues from a variety of perspectives to encourage flexibility in opinion and outlook. Encourage your adolescent to consider different ways of solving problems and possible results.
Create the conditions for an ongoing discussion about sex and other adult issues, one that is open and natural, without fanfare or embarrassment. Start before puberty and continue throughout. If you feel uncomfortable talking about these subjects, get help from someone you respect (such as your doctor, a trusted friend or family member, or a counsellor). Don't let your children depend on television, the Internet and other children for crucial information about adulthood.
Let your child know you love and accept them no matter what, even if you disagree with their thinking, choices or behaviours.
Further Resources
If you have a problem and feel you can't tell anyone you know, contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-669-6868 or www.kidshelphone.ca. No problem is too big or too small for their counsellors, who are ready to help you 24/7.
Learn more about drugs and alcohol by going to www.adac.com or calling 1-866-332-2322.
Learn more about sexually transmitted diseases by going to www.sieccan.org or calling 1-877-999-7740.
For general information, contact Health Canada at www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/young-jeunes_e.html.
