Puberty marks the start of the transition between childhood and adulthood. In girls, the physical signs of puberty (breast development, pubic hair growth) generally begin between the ages of 8 and 13. The onset of puberty in boys (deepening voice, spontaneous erections) usually starts a little later, between 10 and 15. While puberty is associated with major physical changes that occur as the body prepares to reproduce, the psychological impact of puberty can be equally as powerful.
Considerations
The notion that the body and mind are intertwined couldn't be more evident than during puberty. A preteen or teen entering puberty may struggle to keep up with and process the flood of new emotions that naturally occur as his body changes and develops in front of his eyes.
Confusion
A rapidly changing body can make a young person feel confused about her identity. One minute she was a little girl and now she looks more like a woman, even though in many ways she may still feel like a child. She may experience confusion as her new appearance causes people to react to her differently. Perhaps a girl's friend is maturing more rapidly, or a boy is worried about when his body will start to change.
Unfamiliar Thoughts
A child in puberty may begin to have sexual feelings for the first time. This may add to his confusion and be a cause for embarrassment. It's important for an adolescent child to ask questions about sex to a parent, school counselor, doctor or some adult he feels safe to broach the subject with.
Mood Swings
The enormous hormonal changes that take place during puberty can result in extreme mood swings. Day-to-day problems can seem monumental as an adolescent's emotions intensify. One minute a child in puberty may feel exhilarated about life, while the next she may be completely down in the dumps.
Outlook
The enormous amount of hormonal changes that take place during puberty can result in extreme mood swings that will eventually pass. But at the time problems can seem monumental as emotions intensify. One moment a child in puberty may feel exhilarated about life and the next moment she may be totally down in the dumps.
