Puberty vs Adolescence

From the day we're born until the day we die, our bodies are changing - but few times are we changing as drastically as during puberty. Technically, puberty is defined as "the stage of physical development when sexual reproduction first becomes possible". But of course, along with these physical changes also come drastic emotional and social changes as well. After puberty comes adolescence and all the joys and difficulties that come with this period of your child's life.

For parents, it's important to know what changes your child is going through. Not only will it help you answer the questions or concerns they're bound to have, but it will also help you to understand exactly where your child is coming from. By no means do you need to be an expert . there are lots of places to find answers as you need them. During this period of rapid change, the best thing you can do as a parent is:

• Explain that the changes associated with puberty are normal
• Use humour (but not teasing), and reassurance
• Be open and honest
• Listen
• Offer support
• Answer questions
• Use proper terms for body parts

Last Modified: October 26, 2007