5 Things You Need to Know About Puberty

1. Puberty 101

It's a common joke that we end our life in the same way we start it--in diapers. But, it is true that our bodies change constantly. Puberty is when kids start to mature physically, psychologically, cognitively and socially. This is when girls start to become women and boys begin to grow into men. The stages of puberty can last as little as a year or as long as six years. Boys' and girls' bodies begin to reshape and develop sexual characteristics. While everyone goes through the stages of puberty at a different pace, we all end up in the same place.

2. Blame Raging Hormones

Hormones cause puberty in boys and puberty for girls. As the body nears time to mature sexually, it releases chemicals or hormones into the brain. Certain hormones regulate male and female reproductive organs, stimulating the ovaries for girls and the testes of boys. Other hormones are responsible for growth. They lengthen the body, especially the legs and arms. Children start to outgrow everything as they go through a growth spurt that lasts two or three years. Once it's over, the boys and girls are at their adult height.

3. Watch Your Body Change

Puberty in boys makes their shoulders wider and their bodies more muscular. Their voices deepen, they grow armpit and facial hair, their genitals develop and become covered with pubic hair. Ever-embarrassing erections may occur and they may experience wet dreams. As far as puberty for girls, they develop curves they've never had before. They may gain weight in their hip area and their breasts finally start to show. One or two years after the start of breast development, girls will have their first period. Hormonal changes will also cause both boys and girls to develop acne and experience emotional ups and downs.

4. Watch the Clock

Puberty in boys starts to show between the ages of 10 and 17. Puberty for girls will begin when they are between 9 and 14 years old. Hormones cause them to change physically and emotionally, but not necessarily at the same pace. It's common for a girl, for example, to develop breasts but still act like a child. Many times, children who start to develop early don't deal well with the changes because they're not prepared. Boys will also feel that the changes happening to their body are out of their control. They may feel extremely self conscious and even socially isolated.

5. Don't Worry, It's Normal

Puberty for girls and boys can take a toll on their families. The kids tend to have trouble getting along with their parents and siblings. They start to worry about their friendships, relationships, school and their physical safety. Some become risk takers, rebel, waste their time, experiment with drugs, have mood swings and may even become sexually active. Communication can make the difference between a smooth transition and a disastrous one. Parents should encourage their children to talk about their feelings. Parents need to understand that teenage male puberty and female puberty is a very strange and difficult time for kids. The boys and girls should also talk to their friends because they're going through puberty, too.