The transition to puberty is something most teenagers find difficult to accept. If you ask some, they would rather remain in the childhood stage than transition to the new stage. This is also a stage where most of them are confused with the changes popping in their body.
At this phase, you see some what sad expressions with the recent development going on in their body? lol. I was in this category. I vividly remember being sad over the fact that my breast was growing out. I didn’t want it to. As far as I am concerned, I was contented with having a flat chest.I did some silly things to prevent those breasts from popping out. I wrote a post on my fear of growing up here.
Puberty is a stage of life in which an individual get physically mature. Adolescence could be a dramatic transition. These periods could be exciting for them if properly treated but depressing if not handled with care; which is why they need to be led into this stage well ahead of time before the signs starts rearing up their heads.
At this stage, their body goes through a lot of changes. At the same time, their emotions might feel stronger and more intense. The age range for puberty usually lie between ages 8 and 14. Females often times start puberty before males do.
The changes of puberty have left many teens feeling depressed, scared and alone? Some wonder if something is wrong with them because of the sudden takeover of their bodies by foreign bodies.
More than anything, this is the period they need the assurance that there's nothing wrong with them.
You may feel you have lost your teen girl once these emotions begin to play out. She may incline towards being by herself instead of being with the whole family. She could find some fun things you do together as boring. You may even find out that you might have to enter her room (if she has one to herself) by invitation.
These are changes that come with the stage they are in and you will do well to try not to take it personal. As much as they want to be on their own, don’t stop listening or communicating to them. This is the time to intensify efforts to be close as they need you to answer the many questions tugging their heart.
One fact to note is that puberty doesn’t come at once. It happens in stages over a long period of time. Some signs may come up early while some may come up later as they progress. The pace for puberty differs from teen to teen; this is because our bodies differ.
Walking your teen through this stage is something you should prioritize. They need to be told what to expect. This includes:
Also, you should note that some other changes like interest in boys, relationships, and romantic feelings will surface. Cultivation of wholesome relationships should be encouraged here.
Much Emphasis should be placed on the fact that puberty is a normal phase of life and that it is also normal to act and feel strange at this period. However, you can’t totally rule out the fear, the anxiety, the excitement, and confusion that tag along with it which is why we need to take time to explain to them what to expect so as to lessen the fears.
Encourage them to talk to you or trusted adults as this will go a long way in helping them on this journey. Truth is, we adults have gone through this stage and are in the best position to give plenty advice on the matter.
Introduce safety methods at each stage of this phase mentioned above. The need to develop a good hygiene should be encouraged.
Most importantly, be there for her!
Got some concerns? Share in the comment section.
Written by: Nancy Herberts.
Photo: by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash.
Hi there, My name is Faith Ijeoma Ezenwere. I am a Broadcast Journalist/OAP and a teen coach. I am passionate about building a community of impact driven Teens and young adults in all spheres of life. In simple terms, I help Teens/Young adults live their dreams. Welcome to my World!
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