Parenting Assistance Line - PAL

Your Child's Development

What is Puberty?

Puberty is the stage of a young adolescent's physical development when he becomes capable of reproduction. Remember that the onset of puberty depends on your child's genetics, environment, and gender.

Both Boys and Girls Experience…

• Arms, legs, and hands growing faster than the rest of the body making your child more clumsy
• Increased sweating because glands are getting larger
• Needing to bathe more often because of increased oil production
• Acne

Female Development

• Girls mature earlier than boys, usually between 9-13 years old
• Breast growth begins
• Hair develops under arms, on legs, and in the pubic area
• Hips widen and waist gets smaller
• Fat deposits around stomach, hips, and legs
• Menstruation or period begins between 9 and 16 years old

Male Development

• Boys start puberty usually between ages 10-16
• Growth spurt; boys get taller, shoulders broaden, and gain weight
• Muscles get bigger
• Voice begins to crack and eventually becomes deeper
• Hair grows under arms, on legs and face, and in the pubic area. Chest hair may not appear during this time or until after puberty.
• Penis and testes grow larger, erections become more frequent and for no reason. Sperm production begins and can be seen as a "wet dream."