Parenting tips for when puberty strikes your child

Experimenting with different looks and outfits are part of the social and emotional changes teenagers go through during puberty. — Positive Parenting

Puberty marks the period of changes that your child goes through as they begin the transition into adulthood.

During this period, parents should understand the changes that occur in their teenager and how to support their changing needs.

Throughout puberty, teenagers experience numerous changes.

Generally, the physical changes experienced by most children include increased perspiration, oily skin and the development of acne, oily hair, and growth spurts.

However, specific physical changes can vary depending on different genders.

For males, common physical pubertal changes include:

• Vocal changes (deeper voice)
• Changes in the size of the testes and penis
• Hair growth (facial, pubic, armpit, etc)
• Weight gain and muscle growth
• Broadening of shoulders.

For females, the common changes include:

• Breast development
• Functional development of the ovaries
• Hair growth (pubic, armpit, etc)
• Weight gain
• Widening of hips
• Start of periods (menstruation).

In addition to physical changes, the hormones released during puberty can also cause social and emotional changes.

As such, parents should expect their teenager to go through mood swings, changes in energy levels, and many more, including:

• Changes in identity (e.g. trying out new clothes and styles, listening to new music, etc)
• Increased need for independence (e.g. getting ready for school themselves, looking to take on more responsibility, etc)
• Increased sensitivity (e.g. being more sensitive about how they look, being more private about their personal life, etc)
• Seeking new experiences (i.e. more risk-taking behaviours).

Here are some tips on how to support your teen during puberty:

• Open communication

  Create a safe and non-judgemental environment for your teenager.

  This can help encourage them to talk to you openly about the changes and challenges they are experiencing.

• Stay calm and be patient

  As your teenager is going through numerous emotional changes, parents should expect things like mood swings and emotional outbursts.

  It is important to be empathetic, stay calm and be patient when dealing with their changing emotions.

• Provide reassurance

  Encourage and praise your teenager when they show positive behaviours, achievements or efforts, rather than scolding them or focusing on their negative behaviours.

• Encourage independence

  As your teenager grows up, provide them with age-appropriate opportunities for independence.

  For example, getting ready for school by themselves, packing their own lunch for school, planning their own academic schedules, etc.

• Offer guidance and emotional support

  Offer guidance and advice when your teenager faces challenges (e.g. friendship, academic or relationship problems) if they need it.

  Let your teenager know you are there for them and that they can always turn to you for support.

• Seek professional help

  If your teenager begins to experience changes that severely impact their daily activities (e.g. severe acne, developing mental health disorders, abnormal physical development, etc), seek help from an appropriate healthcare professional.

Puberty is a transformative period for teenagers, marked by physical, emotional and social changes.

By understanding the different changes that occur in teenagers during puberty, and preparing for them, parents can better support their teenager during this crucial period of change.

Dr Thiyagar Nadarajaw is a consultant paediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist. This article is courtesy of the Malaysian Paediatric Association’s Positive Parenting programme in collaboration with expert partners. For further information, please email [e-mail]. The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only, and it should not be construed as personal medical advice. Information published in this article is not intended to replace, supplant or augment a consultation with a health professional regarding the reader’s own medical care. The Star does not give any warranty on accuracy, completeness, functionality, usefulness or other assurances as to the content appearing in this column. The Star disclaims all responsibility for any losses, damage to property or personal injury suffered directly or indirectly from reliance on such information.