A young girl's body goes through many changes once puberty begins, including physical, hormonal, and emotional,
A young girl's body goes through many changes once puberty begins. These changes are physical, hormonal, and emotional, and they can take a toll on her physical and emotional state, especially if she isn't prepared for all of these changes. You can help your daughter adjust to her new body and her new self by talking with her about the many changes that will occur as she experiences puberty. Although many school health classes provide perfectly adequate information, most girls and boys are reluctant to ask questions. Your child may be much more comfortable talking to you. Keep in mind, however, that your daughter may have already discussed puberty with her friends, and while there isn't any harm in her and her friends having late night discussions about the changes in their bodies, they may also have quite a few misconceptions.
Girls may differ widely in the ages that they begin puberty. Some girls may notice physical changes as young as nine, while others may be closer to twelve or thirteen. One of the first signs that your daughter is in the beginning states of puberty is the development of breast buds. She may notice small lumps or knots in her otherwise flat breasts, and she may also experience soreness in her breasts, especially when she lies on her stomach. If you haven't already spoken to your child, she may be afraid that something is wrong, so it is very important that you reassure her. Be sure you let her know that these breast buds are entirely normal, and they mark the imminent appearance of more fully developed breasts.
Another change that your daughter may be surprised to discover is hair growth in the pubic area and under her arms. She may also see an increase in hair growth on her legs. Of course, it is entirely up to you as a parent as to when you allow your daughter to shave her legs, but it can be a source of embarrassment if most of her friends are shaving, and she isn't. You should explain to her that while it isn't necessary to shave her pubic area, she might want to begin shaving under her arms.
Your daughter's body will change in other ways, also. She may begin losing some of her baby fat, but she may also gain body fat in various places. She may notice that her hips are becoming wider, while her waist may become narrower and more pronounced. The widening of her hips is nature's way of preparing her body for childbirth as an adult.
Awkwardness is often a key symptom of puberty, and the reason for your sometimes clumsy daughter is quite simple. As your daughter experiences a growth spurt, generally her extremities tend to grow faster than other parts of her body. This means that her arms, hands, legs, and feet may look slightly out of proportion to the rest of her body for a while. Because of this rapid growth in only certain areas of her body, she may feel a little out of proportion and seem increasingly awkward and clumsy. You should explain to her that this is only a temporary condition. Eventually, the rest of her body will catch up to her rapidly growing extremities.
The increase in hormones, such as estrogen, may stimulate your daughter's skin to produce more oil. She may battle oily skin for several years. Of course, there are various topical ointments and face washes available for you to purchase, but if her oily skin leads to pronounced acne, you will need to take her to a dermatologist.
Finally, one of the most important changes that your daughter will experience will be the onset of her menstrual period. Girls as young as nine may begin menstruating, but there will also be those who may be as old as sixteen before they get their first period. Typically, the average age that a menstrual cycle begins is around twelve or thirteen. If you haven't already explained the reasons behind a monthly period and what occurs during each cycle, you should do so as soon as possible. While some girls experience bloating, cramping, and increased skin breakouts, others breeze right through their periods.
Because of the hormonal and physical changes that your daughter will experience during puberty, you should be prepared for some emotional upheaval as well. Women of all ages experience mood shifts related to the hormone fluctuations due to periods, menopause, and other factors, and teenager girls are no exception. You can help your daughter understand the changes that her body is experiencing by keeping the lines of communication open between the two of you.
