Take it one step at a time! Some of these things may be more sudden or dramatic than others. They could happen in any order. They might be spread out over years, or might all come together within a couple months. NONE of the physical changes mean you have to suddenly be any different than you are right this minute. As you get a little older, who you want to be may change. Just take it one step at a time.
Your child may also be sensitive about how they look and their new body changes. Privacy and personal space may become very important to them.
These social and emotional changes show your child is forming their own identity and learning how to be an independent adult. They are developing their decision-making skills and learning to recognise and understand the consequences of their actions.
Social media use is common among teenagers. It has a range of benefits such as connecting with friends, feeling less isolated, exposure to new ideas and risks such as cyberbullying, sexting and spending too much time online associated with its use.
ReachOut has helpful tips about teenage social media use and the eSafety Commissioner has developed an online safety guide for parents and carers in several languages. Read more about internet safety for children on the Better Health Channel.
Explain that puberty is an exciting time that means adulthood is approaching. Puberty is also a time when role-modelling body acceptance is really valuable. Your child will compare their body to those of their friends, and may feel worried about their own development. The best thing you can do is show understanding and explain bodies come in all shapes and sizes. Modelling a healthy lifestyle will also help your child. Always knock before entering their room.
If your child is early or late to puberty, be understanding and offer lots of reassurance and support. They may feel embarrassed but let them know everybody develops at their own pace. Helping your daughter with firsts, such as being ready for her first period are really important. Discreetly pack some sanitary items in her schoolbag, and explain to her how to use them for example, not sleeping with a tampon in place.
Be ready for period pain: a hot water bottle and pain relief from your doctor or pharmacist may help. Remember, explain to your daughter that all these changes are natural and happen to every girl in her own time. Helping your son through puberty is mostly about reassurance. You may also need to reassure your son that penis size does not affect sexual functioning, and that erect penises are usually very similar in size. Every boy develops in his own time. Ejaculating during sleep sometimes called a wet dream and spontaneous erections are both normal.
If your son experiences breast growth or tenderness, he may be concerned. Again, reassurance is the key. Any tenderness is likely to settle once his chest widens.
If your son feels small or too thin for his age, reassure him he will grow in time. Remember, you know your child best. If anything about their development concerns you, see your GP. The best time to talk about puberty with your child is before it begins. Take an open and relaxed approach to chatting with your child. Use the correct terms for body parts so your child learns the right words and is comfortable using them when talking about their body.
They need to know their body parts are normal and natural, with words to match. Have you noticed that? They may prefer to talk to your family doctor or a counsellor. Kids Helpline has useful information about talking to young people about puberty and body image. You may choose to let your child read the Kids Helpline information on body changes and sexuality.
They may take risks as they explore their boundaries. Try to stay calm and work through the issues with your child. Stay available, because being accessible is the best way to find out what your child is doing and to help keep them safe.
Trust in your skills as a parent — and talk to others or read up on the subject so you feel confident in guiding your child through it. The vaccine…. Osgood-Schlatter disease is one of the most common causes of knee pain in young children and athletes. It can…. Visit The Symptom Checker. Read More. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
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Strep Throat. Path to improved well being. Share with him the following changes that will occur during puberty: Changes to his body Your son will notice a growth spurt in his hands and feet. Changes to emotions and thinking Boys will experience a range of emotions as they go through puberty. Things to consider. Your son has pains associated with his growth spurt. Your son has thoughts of suicide or of harming himself or others. Questions to ask your doctor.
My son stopped growing at an early age. Should I be concerned? At what age could my son father a child? What medicine can my son take for his acne? What are the signs of a moody teenager versus something more serious? My son seems dominated by his interest in all things related to sex or seems to have no interest at all. What is normal? Last Updated: April 16, This article was contributed by familydoctor.
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