A Parents’ Guide to Puberty

Second only to infancy, adolescence is the biggest development period of a person’s life. Puberty is a time of great change, both physical and emotional, and can be a confusing, challenging, and exciting time for both children and parents. When parents understand their child’s experience, they can offer critical support and guidance.  

What is puberty? 

Puberty is the process by which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction. It typically starts between the ages of 8 and 14 depending on the sexual and reproductive organs a person may have. During puberty, children experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes as their bodies produce more hormones. 

Physical changes 

The physical changes of puberty are often the most noticeable. All children may experience growth spurts, acne, changes in body shape, and growth of pubic and underarm hair.   Puberty may be characterized by breast development, the onset of menstruation, testicular and penis growth, or a deepening of the voice.

Emotional changes 

In addition to physical changes, children will also experience emotional changes during puberty. They may become more moody or irritable, or they may become more sensitive and emotional. They may also become more self-conscious about their bodies and appearance, and may want more privacy than before.

How to support your child during puberty 

Puberty can be a challenging and important time for children, and parental guidance and support are critical. Here are some tips for supporting your child during puberty: 

Start the conversation early 

Talk with your child about puberty before it begins. Talking early helps them to feel more prepared and less anxious about the changes that will happen. You can start by talking to them about their bodies and answering any questions they may have. Books are a great way to start the conversation, either by reading together aloud (for younger children) or reading separately and coming together to discuss. Keep reading to check out our recommended books for puberty! 

Keep the lines of communication open 

Keep talking with your child as they go through puberty, which can last for years. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns they may have. Be open and honest, and try to answer their questions as best you can. Again, books are a great tool for both parents and young people to have these conversations, and our Lending Library has various titles for families to check out for free. Our friends at Amaze.org also have great video resources on puberty!  Consider watching an Amaze video about puberty and then talking together. 

Be supportive 

Puberty can be a challenging time for children, and it is important to be supportive of them. Let them know that what they are going through is normal, and that you are there to support them through it. 

Respect their privacy 

As children go through puberty, they may become more self-conscious about their bodies and appearance. It is important to respect their privacy and not make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

Seek professional help if needed 

If your child is struggling with puberty, or if you are struggling to support them, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A doctor, therapist, or counselor can offer guidance and support during this time. Puberty may bring up intense feelings of gender dysphoria for some young people, and there are tools and supports that parents can explore and discuss with the help of medical doctors and mental health resources.

In conclusion, puberty is a universal experience that every child will go through. As a parent, it is important to understand what is happening to your child during puberty so that you can offer them the support and guidance they need. By starting the conversation early, keeping the lines of communication open, being supportive, respecting their privacy, and seeking professional help if needed, you can help your child navigate this developmental milestone with confidence and ease. 

A Parents’ Guide to Puberty

Second only to infancy, adolescence is the biggest development period of a person’s life. Puberty is a time of great change, both physical and emotional, and can be a confusing, challenging, and exciting time for both children and parents. When parents understand their child’s experience, they can offer critical support and guidance.  

What is puberty? 

Puberty is the process by which a child’s body matures into an adult body capable of reproduction. It typically starts between the ages of 8 and 14 depending on the sexual and reproductive organs a person may have. During puberty, children experience a wide range of physical and emotional changes as their bodies produce more hormones. 

Physical changes 

The physical changes of puberty are often the most noticeable. All children may experience growth spurts, acne, changes in body shape, and growth of pubic and underarm hair.   Puberty may be characterized by breast development, the onset of menstruation, testicular and penis growth, or a deepening of the voice.

Emotional changes 

In addition to physical changes, children will also experience emotional changes during puberty. They may become more moody or irritable, or they may become more sensitive and emotional. They may also become more self-conscious about their bodies and appearance, and may want more privacy than before.

How to support your child during puberty 

Puberty can be a challenging and important time for children, and parental guidance and support are critical. Here are some tips for supporting your child during puberty: 

Start the conversation early 

Talk with your child about puberty before it begins. Talking early helps them to feel more prepared and less anxious about the changes that will happen. You can start by talking to them about their bodies and answering any questions they may have. Books are a great way to start the conversation, either by reading together aloud (for younger children) or reading separately and coming together to discuss. Keep reading to check out our recommended books for puberty! 

Keep the lines of communication open 

Keep talking with your child as they go through puberty, which can last for years. Encourage them to come to you with any questions or concerns they may have. Be open and honest, and try to answer their questions as best you can. Again, books are a great tool for both parents and young people to have these conversations, and our Lending Library has various titles for families to check out for free. Our friends at Amaze.org also have great video resources on puberty!  Consider watching an Amaze video about puberty and then talking together. 

Be supportive 

Puberty can be a challenging time for children, and it is important to be supportive of them. Let them know that what they are going through is normal, and that you are there to support them through it. 

Respect their privacy 

As children go through puberty, they may become more self-conscious about their bodies and appearance. It is important to respect their privacy and not make them feel embarrassed or ashamed. 

Seek professional help if needed 

If your child is struggling with puberty, or if you are struggling to support them, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A doctor, therapist, or counselor can offer guidance and support during this time. Puberty may bring up intense feelings of gender dysphoria for some young people, and there are tools and supports that parents can explore and discuss with the help of medical doctors and mental health resources.

In conclusion, puberty is a universal experience that every child will go through. As a parent, it is important to understand what is happening to your child during puberty so that you can offer them the support and guidance they need. By starting the conversation early, keeping the lines of communication open, being supportive, respecting their privacy, and seeking professional help if needed, you can help your child navigate this developmental milestone with confidence and ease.