Growing up is full of ups and downs – especially when puberty hits. We want to make it easy for you and your daughter to walk through this time of change together by providing helpful advice, tips and resources.
What is puberty?
Let’s start with the basics – what is puberty and at what age do girls start puberty? For most girls, puberty begins around age 11 or 12, but it can start as early as 8 or as late as 18 – everyone is different, so don’t worry if your child reaches puberty before or after their friends. During this time, girls begin the transition from childhood to adolescence, going through a few different stages of puberty. They may experience mood swings, irritability, as well as a whole range of bodily changes as the key signs of puberty. It’s a lot for young girls to go through alone, which is why we want to equip you with the knowledge and tools to help guide them through this time.
What does puberty look like and how might your child’s body change?
While some girls see “teen” changes as an exciting phase in growing up, many wonder if what they’re experiencing is normal, especially if they’re the first or last in their class to spot the signs of puberty.
Body changes during puberty can happen quite quickly, so it’s no wonder some young people can feel overwhelmed by them. With the arrival of periods, body hair, and changes in shape, it’s common for girls to feel like their body is becoming unrecognisable. Other signs of female puberty can be: oilier skin and hair, and spots appearing on their face, chest or back. Unsurprisingly, these changes can have a big impact on their body confidence and self-esteem.