Puberty begins at different ages for each child. Girls generally begin puberty before boys and research indicates that they are entering puberty earlier than previous generations.
Common signs of puberty include:
Girls - Breast development and pubic hair are early signs of puberty. The peak growth period in height, weight and muscle mass occurs one year after puberty begins. Menstruation usually starts about two years after the onset of puberty.
Boys - The first signs are enlargement of the testes and a thinning and reddening of the scrotum. Boys' peak growth period occurs about two years after puberty starts.
Girls are generally taller than boys during middle school and junior high school. By high school, boys usually catch up and become taller than their female classmates. About 25 percent of boys' and girls' height growth happens during puberty.
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 | With teenage puberty, and preteen development, questions arise that parents should know how to answer in advance. Being prepared when your child reaches puberty can make your child's transition from childhood to adulthood a little easier. |
 | Understanding stages of puberty in boys can put you at an advantage when your son reaches puberty. It's good to be on the lookout for signs of puberty so you can prepare your son for what is happening to him. |
 | Stages of puberty in girls tend to begin around age 11 or 12, and parents should establish open lines of communication to help girls understand the changes in their bodies and the emotions that accompany puberty. |
Breast development during puberty tends to begin around age 10 and continues until age 18. There could be some variation in these ages because every girl is different, but she will go through five stages of development. |
"What are signs of a girl's first period?" is a question that makes some parents nervous. It's good to be prepared with the facts so you can help your daughter prepare to take care of herself during the menstrual cycle. |
