Physical changes during puberty differ in boys and girls. However, both males and females attain marked physical growth during puberty. This is when a child transitions to adulthood physically, mentally, and emotionally. These changes may begin at different times in each child. Some may have early puberty, while slightly delayed in a few. Secondary sexual characteristics develop in puberty. For example, girls may begin to menstruate, while boys have mustaches and beards coming in, and their voices deepen. Read on to know more about physical changes in puberty for boys and girls and seek medical care if puberty is delayed.
10 Physical Changes During Puberty
Some major changes occur in adolescent boys and girls. During this period, the body starts to develop and grow into physical maturity. This is the time when your body will start developing all the secondary sexual characteristics. Many teens and families are hesitant to discuss body changes. It is important to speak to your child before these changes to know what to expect and reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Physical Changes In Girls During Puberty:
The physical changes for females during puberty experience are marked by the following features of growth (1):
Physical Changes In Boys During Puberty:
The physical changes during puberty for males that occur are different in a number of ways. The developments that a boy undergoes during adolescence are (4):
How To Help An Adolescent To Cope With The Changes?
Here are some points to keep in mind as your adolescent goes through these changes (4) (5):
It is important to remember that though the physical development in adolescence is rapid, the mental faculties are still in the developmental stage. With adolescence comes a whole new range of emotions, a new found sense of responsibility and freedom, and a lot of physical changes. The child is sometimes unable to keep pace with all the changes occurring in its body. Most times, adolescents distance themselves from their parents and tend to resort to their peer group for answers. It is at this point that you as the parent need to step forward and be a friend and guide to your child.
Make sure that your child is well-informed about all the physical changes they have to experience during adolescence.
