Your teen's growth pattern is largely determined by genetics. Shorter parents, for instance, tend to have shorter kids, whereas taller parents tend to have taller kids. Although you may worry if your child isn't as tall as other classmates, the more important question is whether your child is continuing to grow at a normal rate.
If your doctor detects a problem — such as a growth rate that had been normal but has recently flattened — he or she may track your child's measurements carefully over several months to see whether the growth pattern suggests a possible health problem or is just a variation of normal. It's not unusual for teens to have their own concerns about how they're growing and how they look. Girls can be very critical of their own weight, which can sometimes lead to unhealthy body image concerns and dieting practices.
Boys tend to be more concerned with their height and muscle development, which can also lead to unhealthy practices, like using steroids and protein supplements. If you're concerned about your teen's body image, or eating and exercise habits, talk with the doctor. Many teens worry a lot about being different from their peers and about anything that would make them not fit in or seem "normal. The doctor can provide reassurance that other kids have the same concerns about their size.
Signs of puberty before the age of nine are not normal. Before the age of nine, boys should not have testicular or penile growth. Enlargement of the clitoris in girls under eight and penis in boys under nine may possibly signify sexual abuse. Even the smallest chance of this serious matter cannot be taken lightly. When is it Normal to Start Puberty? Most girls are physically mature by about 14 years of age.
Boys mature a year or two later. The first sign of puberty in most girls is breast development. The first sign of puberty in most boys is an increase in the size of the testicles. In girls, breasts develop first. Then, hair starts growing in the pubic area. Next, hair starts growing in the armpits. In girls, acne usually starts around 13 years of age. Menstruation the period usually happens last.
In boys, the testicles and the penis get bigger first. Then hair grows in the pubic area and the armpits. A small amount of breast tissue might develop at this time.
The voice becomes deeper. Muscles grow. Last, acne and facial hair show up. Some children can have different patterns. Some girls develop breasts at a very young age but have no other signs of sexual development.
A few children have pubic and armpit hair long before other signs of sexual growth. These changes in pattern usually don't mean the child has a problem, but it's a good idea to visit your doctor to find out for sure. You may want to visit your doctor if a young girl: Develops breasts and pubic hair before 8 years of age.
You may want to visit your doctor if a young boy: Has an increase in testicle size and penis length before 9 years of age. Early puberty is sometimes called precocious or premature puberty. In most cases, early puberty is just a variation of normal puberty. In a few cases, there may be a medical reason for early puberty.
But it's different for everyone, so don't worry if your child reaches puberty before or after their friends. It's completely normal for puberty to begin at any point from the ages of 8 to The process can take up to 4 years.
Children who begin puberty either very early before the age of 8 or very late after 14 should see a doctor just to make sure they're in good health. It's normal for breast buds to sometimes be very tender or for one breast to start to develop several months before the other one.
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. They're coping with changes in their body, and possibly acne or body odour as well, at a time when they feel self-conscious. But the "emotional rollercoaster" they're on can have psychological and emotional effects, such as:.
Find out more about teen aggression , coping with your teenager and talking to your teen. If children are worried or confused about any part of puberty, it may help them to talk to a close friend or relative.
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