Parenting
By Jamie L. Carter
Updated: Sep. 17, 2020
Originally Published: Sep. 27, 2016
I vividly remember my own experience with puberty back in the mid-’80s. We were in seventh grade, walking into health class with a mix of shyness and curiosity. The girls and boys were separated, and a gentle teacher spent days discussing everything from breast development to the importance of deodorant. We giggled at illustrations of anatomy and learned that everyone develops at their own speed.
If we were curious about our bodies, we’d head to the library to find encyclopedia images, since the instant gratification of online content wasn’t available back then. Instead, we spent hours in our rooms listening to music, making prank calls to crushes, and avoiding our parents as much as possible.
I don’t recall much conversation about mood swings or bullying, nor did my parents engage deeply with me about the changes I was experiencing. We navigated puberty somewhat in isolation, with parents lingering in the background. The most I remember my mom commenting on was my need for a bra. It didn’t feel like a tumultuous time filled with frustration.
These days, however, parents are much more involved during their kids’ puberty, and often it can be overwhelming. I certainly didn’t expect the rapid changes my sons would face, and I hear the same goes for daughters. So, what can parents expect as their kids transition through this phase?
For Boys:
- They will eat like they’re training for a marathon. Get ready for “second dinner” and even “third dinner.” When you find yourself buying eggs in bulk, you know puberty has hit.
- Height can seem to happen overnight. One minute, their clothes fit fine, and the next, they’re bursting at the seams. It’s not uncommon for a boy to jump multiple shoe sizes in just a few months.
- The voice change can be quite the surprise. One day, your child answers the phone, and you’ll think it’s your husband—awkward!
- Privacy becomes crucial. They’ll start spending more time in their rooms, only emerging for snacks or rides. It’s perfectly normal; they need that space.
- Facial hair can start appearing on what seems like a baby face. Be ready for them to want to shave the moment they notice that first whisker.
- Hide your good lotions and always keep tissues handy. Also, knocking before entering their room? A must.
- Expect hugs to become less frequent. It’ll sting, but it’s just a phase. Keep trying, and soon enough, those hugs will return.
- Communication skills may revert to toddler levels—grunts and one-word answers may become the norm, except when they’re around friends, where they’ll suddenly be articulate.
- They love to take risks, and their decision-making skills aren’t fully developed yet. Prepare for some head-scratching moments.
For Girls:
- Tears will flow—and often. There might not be a clear reason, just an outpouring of emotions that seem to come from nowhere.
- Expect more crying. It’s like the floodgates have opened, and a simple situation can lead to a meltdown.
- They may become irritable, and you might find yourself on the receiving end of their frustrations. It’s not a myth; teenage angst is real.
- If you thought your own drama was intense, get ready for a front-row seat to theirs. They’ll be feeling all the feels, often all at once.
- One day it’s cartoon character underwear, and the next, they’re asking for trendy lingerie. Talk about a whirlwind!
- Their moods will be unpredictable, akin to a box of chocolates—you never know what you’re gonna get.
- Rebellion is part of the package. Just remember, this phase won’t last forever, and they’ll find their way back to reason.
For more insights on parenting through these changes, check out our other helpful articles at Home Insemination Kit and learn more about pregnancy at March of Dimes. If you’re on this journey, the BabyMaker Home Insemination Kit is a fantastic resource too!
As a summary, puberty can feel like a rollercoaster ride for both kids and parents. From surprising growth spurts to emotional upheavals, understanding what to expect can help you navigate this challenging yet fascinating time.