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Reviewed by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar
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What is puberty?
Puberty is usually defined as the time when the onset of sexual
maturity occurs and the reproductive organs become functional. This is
manifested in both sexes by the appearance of secondary sexual characteristics
- growth of the breasts and first
menstrual period
(menstruation) in girls, and a first ejaculation (release of semen from
the penis) and deepening of the voice in boys.
How will a child's puberty affect the parents?
A year or two before reaching puberty, the child will change
physically and emotionally. Their growth increases suddenly, before slowing and
finally stopping around the age of 18. The accelerated growth that girls
experience in puberty happens at an earlier age than for boys.
At puberty, the child's attitude towards his or her parents
is likely to change. Often, children think their parents are hopeless, annoying
and old-fashioned. In return, parents may find their child cheeky and sullen.
Obviously, it can be a time of conflict.
During puberty, this development continues and the
confrontations between teenagers and parents may continue.
It is perfectly natural and inevitable that tensions and
controversies between parents and teenagers arise. In fact, it may be more
alarming to the parents if there are no conflicts at all, as it may be a sign
that their child is hiding their problems.
If teenagers continue to suppress emotional problems, they may
eventually have problems establishing a normal relationship with other
people.
How do young people view themselves at puberty?
At puberty, most children are uncomfortable with their image.
They may not like the way they look. They feel clumsy, shy and
insecure.
For boys, their voice breaks and for both boys and girls
acne and pimples makes the situation
even worse. Few teenagers consider consulting a doctor with these problems and
a request by their parents seldom helps.
During puberty your child is developing into a sexually mature
adult. Their sexual organs grow and their body changes physically. Boys and
girls begin to grow hair under their arms and pubic hair between their legs.
Girls develop breasts and boys grow hair on their faces.
During puberty young people want to be like everyone else of
their age. So girls may be unhappy if they have their first period before the
rest of their class or if they are the first - or last - to develop breasts.
For boys, the growth of pubic hair may cause similar
problems.
Puberty - child or adult?
Puberty is a time of contrast as the child shifts between
feelings of being a child and becoming an adult.
Friendship with others of the same age may strengthen a
teenager's self-confidence. Insecurity may make them want to imitate other
people in their age group.
Puberty is a time of life when the child begins to feel
liberated. But support from parents is still of paramount importance. Parents
are not only a safety net, but also the platform from which the child can jump
out and eventually experience the whole world.
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Based on a text by Christel Bech, nurse
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Last updated 16.02.2005
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