To better understand
No matter a person’s race or ethnicity, the stages of puberty happen in relatively the same order in boys and girls. However, the age of onset and the rate at which the changes occur can vary from person to person. Puberty is also accompanied by mood swings, strong emotions, a greater longing for privacy and independence, and a quest for identity.
Not all teens react to puberty in the same way. They may be worried about the changes they are going through: Their genitals are developing, hair is growing in new places, their body is changing—and not always in ways they would like! For example, girls might need reassurance about menstruation and boys about ejaculation. What is happening? What do I do? Is it normal? They absolutely need your support and guidance to prepare them for this time in their life.
Teenagers and puberty
It is inevitable: All teenagers will go through puberty! The question is, when and how? The answer: At their own pace!
Stages of puberty*
Girls
- growth spurt;
- breast development (one breast often develops faster than the other);
- hair growth: pubic area, armpits and legs;
- increased sweating;
- oily skin (pimples) and hair;
- vaginal discharge (before first menstruation);
- onset of menstruation.
Boys
- testicular growth and changes;
- hair growth: pubic area, armpits and face;
- lengthening of the penis;
- voice changes (becoming deeper);
- growth spurt;
- muscle growth and broadening of the shoulders;
- increased sweating;
- oily skin (pimples) and hair;
- more frequent erections (day and night);
- first ejaculations.
*Reference to Projet Mosaïk – Newsletter 9
To better support
Tips and tricks
The best thing you can do is be PATIENT and UNDERSTANDING. Remember that puberty is a inevitable transition and that your teen needs you during this time.
In brief
As a parent, you are the best person to prepare your teen for puberty. Your support during this stage will help them to:
- better cope with the physical and psychological changes they are experiencing;
- develop a positive body image;
- maintain good communication with you, which is the key to a good relationship.
Resources and practical tools
1. For support:
2. To learn more:
Parent newsletter (issues 8 and 9), Projet Mosaïk website
Books
- La masturbation ne rend pas sourd! Un regard différent sur l’adolescence. La puberté et la sexualité chez les gars. Daniel Brouillette – Éditions les malins
- La puberté chez les filles. Catherine Girad-Audet – Éditions les malins
- Ma sexualité de 0 à 6 ans. Jocelyne Robert et Jo-Anne Jacob – Éditions de l’homme (2015)
- Ma sexualité de 6 à 9 ans. Jocelyne Robert – Éditions de l’homme (2015)
- Ma sexualité de 9 à 11 ans. Jocelyne Robert – Éditions de l’homme (2015)
Dernière mise à jour
: