Puberty, an Adventure of itself, Questions and Answers:
What do you think of when you think of the word puberty? Many will say, changes in the body, starting your period if you are a women, growth of facial hair and testes for males, possibly even mention the change of voice and body growth. But think back when you were a child, becoming an adolescent. Did you ever find yourself asking yourself if you were normal? Did you truly understand what was going on with you body? Did you have someone to ask? Did you get your questions answered? Where you to embarrassed to ask? I would like to clearly state questions and answers to those questions that parents might have so that they can help their child not feel embarrassed or alone.
First off, Females mature and develop more quickly then the average male. It's okay that their body is changing. Its okay that they are gaining weight and developing breast. This can be a hard time for young girls. Make sure not to make them feel bad about their body changes. Negative feelings could develop Anorexia nervosa, or Bulimia nervosa. Help your daughter realize her body is an amazing, unique and special--- and all bodies are different.
How should I prepare my daughter for her period?
Getting a period is a normal part of puberty. To help make the transition less scary, talk to your daughter about her period BEFORE she gets it. Let your daughter know:
That a period is normal and nothing to be afraid of
How to use feminine products like pads and tampons
How to deal with cramps
That she can talk to you about her periods
My daughter is 15 and hasn’t started having periods. Should I be worried?
Periods don’t start until all parts of a girl’s reproductive system have matured. In the U.S., girls generally start having their periods around age 12. But the normal range for girls to begin having periods is anytime between the ages of 8 and 16. Some children begin to develop later than most of their peers. Others begin to develop earlier. This is usually normal and not a problem. Your child’s healthcare provider can monitor your son or daughter’s maturation and watch for problems. Bring your child in for regular well-child checkups. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s growth and development, ask your child’s healthcare provider. If your daughter has not begun her period by age 16, you should make an appointment to discuss it with her healthcare provider.
My child has become very moody. Is this normal?
Moodiness is very common during puberty. You may see changes in your child’s personality. Your child may be less willing to spend time with you, may be much less interested in talking to you, and may develop new interests. All these changes are normal. Though moodiness is to be expected, some mood changes can mean depression. Symptoms of depression include:
Losing interest in things that he or she used to enjoy
Crying often
Withdrawing from friends and family
Being angry or enraged
Having a drop in grades
Talking about feeling worthless or hopeless
If you notice any of these signs, bring your child to see his or her healthcare provider right away.
What can I do to stay in my child’s life?
The best thing to do is to check in with your child often. Even if your child is sullen or doesn’t want to talk, continue to talk to your child and ask for information about his or her life. It’s important that your child know you’re there to help guide him or her through what can be a difficult time. Make an effort to:
Know who your child’s friends are.
Know how your child spends his or her time.
Limit TV and computer time to 2 hours a day. It’s best to not let your child have a TV or computer in his or her room. Have the computer and TV in a common area, where use can be monitored. Consider not allowing your child to have his or her smartphone in his or her room.
Plan for a family time that everyone is expected to attend. This could be a meal, a game, or other activity. Have family time daily, if possible, or at least a few days a week.
Ask your child questions about his or her day.
Don’t be discouraged if your child isn’t responsive at first. The point is to make it clear that you are engaged and open to discussion. One way to open discussion is to ask about current events rather than personal issues. This lets your child talk about his feelings and experiences without the pressure of all the focus being on his life.
How much do I need to say about sex?
Sex can be an uncomfortable topic for parents and kids to discuss. But, for your child’s safety and health, it’s important that he or she knows the facts. Let your child know you are available to talk, then wait until your child brings up the subject. You can also provide your child with a book or pamphlet from a trusted source to read on his or her own. But be sure to be available to answer questions. If you don’t feel able to talk to your child about sex, take your child to his or her healthcare provider for a discussion about sex and sexual issues.
My 16-year-old son is very focused on appearance. Is this normal?
Teens become very focused on appearance during puberty. Though it can disrupt routines and try family members’ patience. During puberty, regular bathing is important to help prevent body odor and helps with oily skin. So encourage good hygiene habits. But discourage your child from becoming obsessed with looks and image. Encourage your child to dress appropriately for his or her age. Limit makeup use. Keep in mind that your child may look mature physically, but emotionally he or she is still developing.
My son often locks himself in his room. I think he’s masturbating. Should I be worried?
During puberty, when hormone levels are increasing, interest in sex greatly increases. Masturbation (pleasuring oneself sexually) is a common way that both boys and girls explore their sexuality and changing bodies. It is very normal and is not harmful to your child. But, it can be uncomfortable to talk about masturbation. It’s good to let your child know you are available to answer questions.
https://www.fairview.org/HealthLibrary/Article/89563
Voice Change
As their voice box enlarges and the vocal cords grow, their voice may "crack" as they speak. While this can be embarrassing and annoying, it's a normal part of the growth process.
Wet Dreams
Boys may wake up in the morning to find sticky, damp areas in their pajama pants and sheets. These "wet dreams," or nocturnal emissions, are caused by an ejaculation, not urination, that occurs during sleep and are not an indication that the boy was having a sexual dream. Parents should explain these events to their son without blame, and reassure him you understand that he cannot prevent it from happening. Wet dreams are just part of growing up.
Involuntary Erections
During puberty, boys get erections spontaneously, without touching their penis and without having sexual thoughts. These unexpected erections can be quite embarrassing, especially if they occur in public—at school, for example. Let your son know that these unexpected erections can happen and are normal signs that his body is maturing. Explain that they happen to all boys during puberty, and that over time they will become less frequent.
Breast Enlargement
Many boys experience swelling of the breasts during the early years of puberty. Most often, your son may feel a button like bump under one or both nipples. His breasts may also feel tender or even painful, especially when hit. After a few months—sometimes longer—the swelling will disappear; let your son know that these lumps will rarely develop into true breasts.
One Testicle Lower than the Other
Uneven testicles, although they may be embarrassing in the boys' locker room, are both normal and common.
Parents can support their preteen:
As your child approaches and enters puberty, be sensitive to his need for privacy. Preteens often become more modest while they bathe, for example, or change their clothes. Respect this wish for privacy, not only as it relates to their bodies but in other areas as well, such as remembering to knock before entering their rooms.
Preteens also become more sensitive about how they look during this time. Their interest in grooming increases, and they are frequently concerned about their appearance, thanks largely to influence from their peers and advertising messages. Watch for signs of a child who has a negative image of their bodies, which in some cases can result in eating disorders.
It is very important to avoid even good-natured teasing of your child's pubertal development changes. Most pre-teens will be easily embarrassed if they are teased about the changing shape of their bodies or their deepening voices.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Concerns-Boys-Have-About-Puberty.aspx
