How to Explain Puberty
Puberty is when a child's brain produces a hormone known as the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), kicking off a series of chemical reactions in the child's body. GnRH hits the pituitary gland then causes the release of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in both girls and boys. These hormones set in motion the bodily growth and development known as puberty, causing boys to produce testosterone and sperm and causes girls to produce estrogen as well as to prepare for pregnancy. While this explanation might satisfy a biology student cramming for a quiz, the typical young teenager may require a more relevant explanation for this critical phase of life.
Instructions
Explain that the bodily changes of puberty are natural and perfectly normal. Everyone who has reached adulthood went through puberty at some point and survived. Explain the changes that boys should expect. These include an increase in the size of the testicles and penis, the appearance of pubic and armpit hair, the lowering of the voice and the overall growth of the body, increase in muscle mass and lengthening of the torso. Wet dreams may also begin to occur. Explain the changes that girls should expect. These include the appearance and growth of pubic and armpit hair, the enlargement of the breasts, the widening of the hips and the advent of periods. Instruct how to cope with the changes occuring in the body. Introduce children and teens to deodorant, acne creams, and face wash. For girls, introduce bras, sanitary towels and tampons. Reassure that every boy and girl reaches and completes puberty at different times and rates. While most boys undergo puberty between the ages of 10 to 15 and most girls reach puberty between 8 and 13, it is normal for some to arrive at pubescence slightly earlier or later. And while puberty takes an average of 2 to 2 1/2 years to run its course, the exact timing for individuals will vary according to the particular biological clock of each boy and girl. Provide the big picture. Instruct the child or teen that puberty occurs to equip them for eventual reproduction. If the discussion of the birds and the bees has never been breached, puberty can be used as a natural lead-in to the introduction of sex and reproduction so that the individual understands why the bodily changes must occur. Listen. As important as your explanation may be, it is also important to hear what the individual's particular concerns about puberty are. Once you understand their questions or concerns, attempt to answer them accurately and respectfully, using the proper vocabulary for the various anatomical and sexual terms. Use your resources. With an abundance of printed and online information regarding puberty, you are never alone in explaining it to a child or teen. You can effectively make use of the material such as the Web site listed below, to answer questions or simply refer individuals to browse for themselves.
