Puberty is a major milestone in every child’s development. It brings many changes, both physical and emotional. Preparing your child for puberty early helps reduce confusion, builds trust, and makes the experience less stressful. Open conversations can make all the difference.
What is Puberty and When Does It Start?
Puberty is the process where a child’s body begins developing into an adult body. It includes physical growth, hormonal changes, and emotional shifts. For most children, puberty begins between ages 8 and 13 for girls and 9 and 14 for boys. However, every child develops at their own pace.
Signs of Puberty
Signs of puberty in boys:
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Voice deepening
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Growth of facial, underarm, and pubic hair
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Growth spurts in height and muscle development
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Enlarged testicles and penis
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Increased sweating and body odor
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Acne or changes in skin
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Mood swings and emotional changes
Signs of puberty in girls:
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Breast development
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Growth of underarm and pubic hair
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Start of menstruation (periods)
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Hips widening and height increase
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Increased sweating and body odor
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Acne or skin changes
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Emotional ups and downs
Preparing Your Child for Puberty
Start early with age-appropriate talks
First and foremost, begin the conversation before any major changes begin. Doing so helps ease anxiety and builds trust. You can use everyday moments, like seeing a deodorant commercial for example, as a natural way to bring it up. Over time, these small chats will grow into deeper, more confident conversations.
Keep communication open
Next, let your child know you’re always available to talk about anything. Reinforce that no question is silly or too weird. If they see you’re calm and supportive, they’ll be more likely to keep opening up. Additionally, checking in regularly can help normalize these important discussions.
Use correct terminology
When talking about the body, it’s important to use proper terms like “vagina,” “testicles,” and “menstruation.” This builds their confidence and removes shame from the conversation. Furthermore, it helps them communicate clearly if they ever need to speak to a doctor or trusted adult. Avoiding slang also shows that these topics are not taboo.
Normalize the experience
It’s also essential to remind your child that everyone goes through puberty, just in different ways and at different times. You might even share your own experiences to show they’re not alone. As a result, they’ll be more likely to accept changes as natural and less embarrassing. Reassurance here can make all the difference.
Discuss emotional changes
In addition to physical changes, puberty affects emotions too. Mood swings, frustration, and confusion are all common. Let them know these feelings are normal and nothing to be ashamed of. To support them further, help them find healthy ways to express emotions like through talking, journaling, or exercise.
Reassure them about peer differences
Puberty doesn’t follow a schedule. Some kids grow early, while others develop much later. If your child feels “behind” or “different,” remind them that every body develops at its own pace. Consistent reassurance will help them avoid comparing themselves to others or feeling left out.
Talk about hygiene routines
As puberty begins, so do new hygiene needs. Be sure to teach them how to shower regularly, use deodorant, and wash their face. For boys, you might introduce shaving; for girls, period hygiene. Keep the tone positive. This is about self-care, not criticism. Also, make sure they have access to the products they need.
Practice empathy and patience
Finally, remember that puberty is often overwhelming. Your child might act out or become quiet, and that’s okay. What matters most is how you respond. Stay calm, patient, and available. Over time, your support will help them feel safe, even during confusing changes.
Puberty can bring on many changes especially when it comes to hygiene. For help creating new routines, check out our Teen Hygiene Tips blog below!
Books to Share With Them
When it comes to preparing your child for puberty, books can be a great support tool. They offer relatable stories, clear explanations, and can help ease any awkwardness around the topic. Whether your child prefers reading alone or with you, these resources can open the door to valuable conversations.
Books for Boys:
Books for Girls:
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Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes Too!) by Sonya Renee Taylor
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The Period Book: A Girls Guide to Growing Up by Jennifer Gravelle and Karen Gravelle
Wrapping Up – Preparing your Child for Puberty
Preparing your child for puberty helps them face this big change with confidence and clarity. With open conversations, accurate information, and age-appropriate resources, you can make this stage feel less scary and more empowering. Remember, your support is the most valuable tool they have.