Puberty
Puberty is the time in life when a boy or girl becomes sexually mature. It is a physical change that usually happens between ages 10 and 14 for girls and ages 12 and 16 for boys. Puberty affects boys and girls differently.
What to expect
In girls:
Going through puberty means a lot of physical and emotional changes for girls. The first sign of puberty is usually larger chest size, hair on the genitals and the start of a menstrual period. Don’t worry. Puberty is a way of telling you that you are going from a girl, to a woman! It’s a big step in life, you will never forget!
In boys:
Puberty can be one of the most confusing and exciting times of a boy’s life. During puberty, boys will notice their bodies develop and change as they begin to look more like a man’s body. During puberty, boys will grow taller, develop more body hair and odor, and will develop their sexual organs, as well as more sexual feelings. Puberty causes many physical and emotional changes for every boy’s body. Though boys typically begin puberty between the ages of 9-14 and the changes of puberty follow a pattern, every boy develops at his own pace.
Dealing with puberty
Understand that puberty happens to everyone. All your friends will be going through almost exactly the same things as you are. If you feel comfortable enough to talk about the changes with them, just go ahead, but remember that some people get embarrassed by this subject. If your friends seem uncomfortable, just change the subject.
Know that it will likely feel very strange to go through puberty. If you don’t want to talk to parents or the school nurse, then think about buying a book, or getting a book from the library about puberty, and remember that the Internet is also a great source of information.
Expect to notice changes. You will sweat more than you previously did, and grow hair in many places. These are changes that occur as your body matures.
Remember to shower every day, and if you are a girl, remember to shave your legs and underarms. You may also want to trim your bikini line, to keep from having pubic hair hanging out of a swimsuit.
Know that your skin is changing and is influenced by hormonal changes, and this may cause you to get acne, or you may realize that your skin is becoming dry (or oily). So Wash your face at least twice each day. Clearasil is a good product to use, and there are many other skin care products that offer relief for the skin problems you may experience. Girls should try exfoliating and moisturizing, too.
Compiled from: www.wikihow.com, kidshealth.org, http://eschooltoday.com