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Puberty Advice For Teens: How To Prepare For & Deal With Puberty

Are you wondering what's happening to your body as you grow up and how to handle it all? Here are the answers you’ve been looking for.

Are you starting to notice changes in your body? From mood swings to pimples, puberty can be a bumpy ride. But it's also a time of incredible growth and discovery, as you begin to develop your own identity and explore the world. 

We’re here to help you figure out how to deal with puberty. Get all the information you need to make it through this transitional period with confidence.

 

What is puberty?

Before we uncover the tips and tricks for handling puberty, it helps to understand it better.  Puberty is the natural process of physical, emotional, and social change that mostly occurs in your teenage years. It’s a time when your body and emotions can be super unpredictable, but you’re also becoming an awesome adult.

Common changes during puberty include:

  • Growth Spurts: A rapid increase in height and overall body size.
  • Breast Development: In girls, the development of breast tissue begins.
  • Voice Changes: Especially in boys, the voice deepens as the larynx grows.
  • Body Hair: The growth of pubic, facial, and body hair becomes noticeable.
  • Acne: Increased oil production can lead to the development of acne.
  • Menstruation: Girls begin to experience the menstrual cycle.
  • Erections and Ejaculation: Boys gain the ability to have erections and experience ejaculation.
  • Genital Growth: Growth and development of the genitals in both boys and girls.

 

What makes puberty happen?

During puberty, your bloodstream is flooded with hormones, which are chemicals produced by the endocrine glands and circulated throughout the body. These puberty hormones stimulate various organs and tissues to grow and mature. It’s truly impressive how much your body transforms during this time.

 

Advice on how to deal with puberty

Knowing what to do when you hit puberty is a matter of learning as you go. With a few tried-and-true strategies, you'll be cruising through like a champ. Here are some tips to help you out:

  • Embrace the Changes: Your body is on a growth spurt, and that's great! Embrace the changes— breast development, first periods, underarm hair, pubic hair and all. Remember, everyone goes through it. 
  • Stay Hygienic: As your body changes, so do your personal hygiene needs. Keep up with regular showers, use deodorant, and stay on top of skincare. This will help prevent any lingering body odour.
  • Healthy Habits: A balanced diet and regular exercise can do wonders. They help your body adapt to changes and keep your mood steady.
  • Comfortable Clothes:  Wearing comfortable clothes and getting your first bra can make navigating puberty a lot smoother and boost your confidence along the way.
  • Stay Informed: Don't be shy to learn about your body - it’s part of growing up. Knowledge is power, and understanding the changes of puberty can ease any worries. In the age of social media and the internet, we have so much access to helpful information. The Lil-Lets Hub is full of resources to help you.
  • Talk About It: Puberty can be confusing. Chat with a trusted adult role model or friends who are experiencing the same changes. Sharing experiences can lighten the load and you’ll get more comfortable talking about it over time.
  • Positive Self-Talk: Your body is unique and awesome. Instead of stressing over insecurities and feeling self-conscious, focus on the things you love. This will build self-esteem and take care of your mental health. 
  • Seek Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out for help. Your parents, guardians, or a counsellor are there to offer guidance. 

Remember, everyone's journey through puberty is different. It's about embracing change, staying informed, and being kind to yourself. You've got this!

 

How to deal with puberty emotions

Puberty can easily lead to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and self-doubt. These feelings are commonly referred to as "puberty blues," a term used to describe the ups and downs of growing up. It's important to know that you are not alone in experiencing these emotional changes and that it's totally normal to feel a little overwhelmed during this time. 

Be sure to have open and honest communication with trusted adults, such as parents, teachers, or healthcare providers, who can offer guidance and support. In some cases, you might need to chat with a counsellor or psychologist.

 

How to treat puberty pimples

Puberty comes with its fair share of surprises, and one common guest is the appearance of spots. We recommend washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove excess oil and dirt. You can also keep your skin hydrated with a moisturiser and avoid touching your face or popping the spots.

A long-term solution to clearing spots and pimples is maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. And if needed, chat with your guardians about visiting a doctor or dermatologist who can help. With patience and consistent care, you'll be on your way to clearer skin. There’s also nothing wrong with having spots. It’s more common than you think!

 

How to handle puberty-related health issues and concerns

Puberty brings more than just physical changes — it can also introduce various health concerns that might leave you wondering where to turn. From managing your first period to understanding sexual feelings, it's important to equip yourself with knowledge and resources.

If you're experiencing persistent health problems like irregular periods, extreme mood changes, or concerns about body image, don't hesitate to open up to a trusted adult, like a parent or school nurse. You're not alone on this journey.

 

How to deal with puberty as parents

Puberty certainly involves parents and guardians. If you’re a teen reading this, feel free to share this part of the article with the adults in your life. They might need some puberty advice too.

Witnessing a child go through puberty can raise a mix of emotions and questions. The key is open communication. Parents should initiate conversations about puberty, body changes, and emotional shifts. This is especially important when they start to notice signs their child is starting their first period or experiencing mood swings.

Parents and guardians should be prepared to provide accurate information and address concerns. Creating a safe space for teens to ask questions and express themselves will foster trust and understanding. One of the best times to do this is during a ‘period talk.’

 

Final thoughts on puberty

Overall, puberty is a complex process that involves many different changes and challenges. Understanding all this can help you and your family to navigate this important stage of development with greater ease. 

For many of us, that means being equipped to manage your first period as it generally starts mid-puberty. With Lil-Lets, you can find all the period products you need to start your menstruation journey with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions

Does puberty affect maturity?

Puberty certainly affects maturity, both physically and emotionally. At this time, your body grows, further brain development kicks in and you reach sexual maturation. You might also notice your perspective on things changing and sexual attraction towards people becomes more noticeable.

Why is puberty necessary in humans?

Puberty is necessary in humans as the outcome is sexually mature adults with fully developed reproductive organs. It means people can have children if they want to and when they’re ready.  It’s also the time in our lives when we become more self-aware and start to experience a wider spectrum of emotions.

What is the latest you can hit puberty?

The latest you can hit puberty is not at a specific age. It truly varies from person to person. Typically, you’ll start puberty between the ages of 8 and 13 in females, and 9 and 14 in males. If you don’t notice the key signs of puberty by 16, speak to a responsible adult and visit a healthcare professional for medical advice.

Is puberty normal?

Puberty is incredibly normal. It causes lots of changes in both males and females as they grow into adult humans and become sexually mature. This might include breast growth and armpit hair.

Does everyone go through puberty?

Almost everyone goes through puberty and it typically starts between the ages of 8 and 14. However, there are some rare medical conditions that might delay or prevent the onset of puberty. For example, those with Turner Syndrome, a genetic condition in females, might have delayed puberty.

What happens when puberty ends?

The end of puberty is marked by the completion of physical and hormonal development and the beginning of young adulthood. You typically reach your adult height and size. Physical changes may continue for a few years after puberty. Additionally, emotional development and reproductive health are ongoing processes that require attention throughout an individual's life.

How do you know when you're done with puberty?

Puberty is a gradual process, and there isn't a clear-cut "done" moment. Generally, when you've experienced most of the physical changes associated with puberty, like your first period and body changes, you're likely nearing the end of this phase.

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