Stages Of Puberty: Complete Guide On Puberty In Girls You Should Know

Puberty refers to the period when the body of a child starts changing and developing as they enter adulthood. The development of breasts mostly signifies puberty in girls. Additionally, they start their periods. On the other hands, the boys start looking like men and develop deeper voices. The stages of puberty in girls and boys slightly differ. For instance, on average, boys enter puberty by age 12 while girls enter puberty at the age of 11. However, there isn’t a set timetable and parents shouldn’t worry if their children reach puberty earlier or later. The puberty process takes approximately four years and can start at any point from 8-14 years.

1. Early Or Late Puberty in Girls

Consider taking your child to see a doctor if they enter puberty either too early or very late. In this case, too early means before age 8 and very late means after 14 years. The doctor will determine whether its an underlying medical problem. You will also get a chance to learn more about puberty problems, signs of puberty in girls and boys, stages of puberty girls, mood changes during puberty as well as puberty support for caregivers and parents.

2. Girls: First Sighs Of Puberty

• Your girl child will have entered puberty if their breasts start to develop. Sometimes, breast buds can be very tender, in other cases, one breast may begin developing several months prior the other one, and the two scenarios are very normal.
• Pubic hair starts growing. Some girls might start noticing more hairs on the arms and legs.

3. Later Signs Of Puberty

• The breasts become fuller and continue growing
• Girls may experience their first period approximately two years into puberty
• Pubic hairs become curlier and coarser
• Girls start developing hair under the arms. Other girls may have hairs on other body parts including the top lip.
• They start sweating more
• They sometimes get acne, which is a unique skin condition that manifests as different spots types such as blackheads, pustules, and whiteheads.
• They start having whitish vaginal discharge
• They undergo a spurt growth. From their first period, girls grow approximately 2-3 inches every year for about two years before reaching their adult height.
• Most of them gain weight. As a result of body shape changes, most girls will gain weight, which is totally normal. They tend to develop more fat especially along their thighs, upper back, and the upper arms. The waists become narrower and the hips grow rounder.

Related: PUBERTY : 5 THINGS EVERY PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT IT

4. About Four Years Into Puberty In Girls

• Girls reach their maximum adult height and stop growing taller
• Their genitals become fully developed
• Pubic hairs spread into the inner thighs
• Breasts develop fully and become adult-like

5. Boys: The First Signs Of Puberty

The stages of puberty in girls and boys differ because of the different body structures, and hormones. In the boys the first signs of puberty include:

• Their testicles become bigger
• The scrotum begins reddening and thinning
• Pubic hairs begin appearing on the penis’s base

6. Later Puberty Signs

After one year or more into puberty:

• The testicles and penis grow further
• The scrotum becomes darker gradually
• Pubic hairs become curlier and thicker
• Boys start developing hairs on the underarms
• They start sweating more
• Breasts start swelling slightly but temporarily. This isn’t similar to ‘man-boobs’ and its totally normal.
• Boys start having ‘wet dreams’. These are semen ejaculations that happen involuntarily as they sleep.
• Boys’ voices ‘break’ and become deeper permanently. For some time, a boy may realize that his voice gets very high one minute and very deep the next.
• They often develop acne, a condition of the skin that manifests as different spots types such as blackheads, pustules, and whiteheads.
• They undergo a spurt of growth and become taller by 3 inches on average every year
• Boys become muscular

7. About Four Years Into Puberty In Boys

• Their genitals become adult-like
• Their pubic hairs spread into the inner thighs
• Facial hairs may begin growing, and boys may begin shaving
• The rate of growing taller decreases and growth completely stops at around age 16 but may continue getting more muscular
• By the age of 18, most boys reach their full adult maturity

8.Mood Changes In Puberty

Most children find puberty very difficult. Besides all these changes in their bodies including body odor and acne, children start feeling self-conscious. Additionally, puberty can prove to be exciting as young adults develop new feelings and emotions. However, their emotional rollercoaster can bring about emotional and psychological effects including:

• Depression
• Aggression
• Low-self esteem
• Unexplained mood swings

Parents should consider reading articles on coping with their teenagers, talking to their teen and teen aggression to understand mood changes related to puberty and equip themselves with the right skills to handle their teenage children.
Related: 6 TIPS TO HELP YOUR TEEN TO COPE WITH ANGER

9. Puberty Support For Children

Worried or confused children about signs of puberty in girls should consider talking to older relatives or close friends. Similarly, there are dozens of websites dedicated to puberty support for children where they can interact with other teenagers and learn from the professionals as well as from each other. There are also websites meant for parents and caregivers where parents can learn more about puberty and how they can handle their young adults.

Conclusion

Understanding the different stages of puberty in teenagers is critical. It gives parents and caregivers an idea of what their children are going through. This gives them the right skill set to deal with their teens. Puberty differs from one teen to another, and there is no need for alarm if your child begins puberty earlier or later than other children. However, some earlier or later instances may symbolize an underlying medical issue. In such situations, parents should consider involving the professional services of a doctor. In most cases, children undergo the full process of puberty and enter adulthood by age 18. Their body become fully grown by this age, but boys can continue developing muscles.

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