Puberty

Puberty

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When Should Children Learn about Puberty?

Around 8 years of age, some children may start to experience physical changes related to puberty
It’s helpful for children to know about what changes they will experience before they start happening
They do not need to learn everything all at once
They should learn about the changes both males (referring to anyone with a penis) and females (referring to anyone with a vagina) experience

What Facts Should They Know?

Physical Changes: Both Females and Males

Start growing taller and will gain weight
Skin will start making more oil and acne on their face, upper back and/or chest
Grow hair on their legs, underarms and pubic area, and this will continue to grow thicker and darker
Start to sweat more and may need to start using antiperspirant/deodorant
Have a new desire for sexual experiences which are brought on by changes in hormones

Physical Changes: Females Only

Grow taller faster than most boys, and will usually reach their adult height by age 16 or 17
Breasts will start to grow and they may experience soreness under the nipples
Gain weight in their hips, buttocks, legs and stomach
Start to have white, mucous-like discharge from their vagina
Their menstrual period will start and will eventually become regular

Physical Changes: Males Only

Shoulders will grow wider
Body hair and facial hair will start to grow
Penis, scrotum, and testes will grow
Ejaculation and nocturnal emissions (‘wet dreams’) occur and sperm production begins or continues
Voice starts to crack and becomes deeper
May have swelling under the nipples (this growth usually goes away by the end of puberty)
Erections start before puberty, but they may now happen more often and sometimes unexpectedly

How do I explain menstruation and nocturnal emissions?

Menstruation

Menstruation (‘having your period’) is a physical change that will start some time during puberty
A female’s body begins releasing one egg from their ovaries each month
If this egg is fertilized by a male sperm, it grows into a baby
To get ready for the fertilized egg, the uterus builds up a thick lining of blood and tissue
This lining is where the fertilized egg would grow into a baby
If the egg isn’t fertilized by sperm, the egg and the lining of the uterus leaves the body through the vagina (menstruation) and the cycle starts all over again
The cycle is between 24 and 38 days
A period is the time the blood and tissue drain though the vagina
It usually lasts between 3 and 5 days
Every person is different. There’s no right or wrong time for when menstruation will begin

Nocturnal Emissions (wet dreams)

These start when testicles start to make sperm
Some nights, when a person is sleeping, extra sperm comes out of their penis
The small amount of semen that comes out and will leave a wet spot on the pyjamas or bed sheets
Some people have wet dreams and others don’t
Wet dreams usually end later in puberty

How do I make sure my child is prepared?

Talk about menstruation with your child before their periods start
Make sure your child understands that periods are a normal part of growing up and they can keep doing their usual activities
Talk about what premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is and what they might feel
Talk about why hygiene is important, especially changing pads/tampons/cups regularly
Keep a hygiene pack (clean underwear, pads, wipes) in a nearby place (backpack or locker) in case your child has an unexpected period
Help your child think about clothing choices (e.g., considering darker coloured pants when their period is due)
Use a calendar or diary to keep track of their cycle and help plan for the next one.

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