Puberty is an important developmental phase when children begin to become sexually mature. Usually, puberty occurs in adolescence. In boys, puberty takes place between the ages of 12-16 years, while in girls, it starts earlier, namely between the ages of 10-14 years. During this phase, various physical and emotional changes will be seen, caused by hormonal changes.
It is important for parents to recognize the signs of puberty in their children, both boys and girls. With this understanding, fathers and mothers can accompany their children through puberty wisely. Let's look at the explanation further.
What is Puberty?
Puberty is an important phase in human development, which includes various stages from babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, to adults and the elderly. Puberty occurs during adolescence as preparation for adulthood. Every individual will definitely experience puberty, which is marked by significant physical and mental changes in boys and girls.
Signs of puberty differ between boys and girls. In general, boys enter puberty between the ages of 10 and 16 years, while girls experience it earlier, namely between the ages of 8 and 13 years. These changes include the development of reproductive organs, an increase in height, as well as changes in voice and hair growth in various parts of the body.
Understanding puberty is an important step in supporting a child's development towards healthy and balanced adulthood. Therefore, the role of parents and educators is very crucial in providing appropriate information and support during this transition period.
Signs of Puberty
During puberty, the human body experiences various significant changes. The following are signs of puberty in girls and boys:
1. Signs of Puberty in Girls
- Breast Growth: Breasts begin to develop and enlarge.
- Pubic Hair: The appearance of fine hair around the pubic area.
- Hair Growth: Hair begins to grow in the armpits and legs.
- Body Growth: There is an increase in height and changes in body shape.
- Menstruation: The first menstruation begins as a sign of reproductive maturity.
2. Signs of Puberty in Boys
- Testicular Growth: The testicles begin to grow and enlarge.
- Pubic Hair: Growth of fine hair around the pubic area.
- Voice Change: An increase in the size of the vocal cords causes the sound to become heavier.
- Hair Growth: Hair begins to grow in the armpits, chest, face and legs.
- Penis Growth: The penis grows to adult size.
These changes are a natural part of the process of development towards maturity and signal the maturity of the reproductive system. Understanding these signs is important to properly recognize and manage the changes that occur during puberty.
Watch this video: "Characteristics of Puberty in Children, Starting from Growing Acne to Menstruation"
Causes of Puberty
There are several factors that influence when and how puberty occurs, namely:
1. Genetic Factors
Genetic factors play an important role in determining when a person will experience puberty. Genes inherited from parents can influence the age at which puberty starts. If one or both parents experience puberty earlier or later than average, their child is likely to experience the same thing. Additionally, certain genetic variations can influence how the body responds to the hormones that trigger puberty.
Research shows that certain genes, such as those that regulate hormone production and hormone receptors, can influence the timing of puberty. For example, variations in the genes encoding luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) receptors can affect sexual development. Therefore, understanding family history and genetic factors can provide insight into when puberty may begin.
2. Hormonal
Hormones are the main factor that triggers puberty. This process begins in the brain, specifically in the hypothalamus, which secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH then stimulates the pituitary gland to release the hormones LH and FSH. These hormones then stimulate the gonads (ovaries in women and testicles in men) to produce sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
Estrogen and testosterone are responsible for the physical changes that occur during puberty. In girls, estrogen triggers breast development, pubic hair growth, and menstruation. In boys, testosterone triggers muscle growth, deeper voices, and facial hair growth. The balance of these hormones is essential for normal development during puberty.
Overall, puberty is a complex process influenced by various genetic and hormonal factors. Understanding the causes of puberty can help in identifying and treating problems that may arise during this important phase in a person's life.
How to Respond When Signs of Puberty Appear in Children
Not all children are ready to face the physical, emotional and sexual changes of puberty. Therefore, it is important for parents to understand how to respond to puberty.
The role of parents is very important so that children are not involved in activities that are detrimental to themselves or their family. Here are several ways to deal with children's puberty that can be applied.
1. Be Patient and Respond with a Positive Attitude
It is important for parents to understand that emotional changes are a normal part of a child's puberty period. In this transition phase towards adulthood, children can become more unstable, irritable and easily angered. Therefore, parents must be extra patient in dealing with changes in their child's mood.
To avoid an increasingly murky situation, respond to your child's emotional fluctuations wisely and positively. For example, when your child feels sad because he has failed, talk to him and comfort him. Give an understanding that not everything you want can come true, but there is always something good from every event. This method helps children view life more positively.
2. Set Aside Time for Children
Always take time to invite children to talk and discuss. Puberty makes it more difficult for them to open up about the changes they are experiencing. Talking and discussing not only increases parents' opportunities to help children through puberty, but also increases emotional closeness between parents and children.
3. Teach about Responsible Freedom
Giving children responsible freedom is good education to help their mental growth. This is done by teaching children about the law of cause and effect, so that they become more aware and responsible for their actions. Parents can also increase children's self-control by instilling peaceful religious and moral values and high tolerance.
4. Sexual Education
During puberty, boys will experience wet dreams and girls will experience menstruation. These two events indicate that the sperm cells and egg cells (ovum) are ready for the reproductive process. Therefore, it is important for parents to provide a deep understanding of sexual education to their children.
Sexual education aims to increase children's awareness and concern for their sexual health. Through open discussions about sexuality issues, children can understand that sexual health is an integral part of overall body health, not just a relationship between men and women.
By providing appropriate and educational information, parents can help children develop healthy and responsible attitudes toward their sexuality. It also helps them to be better prepared to deal with the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Good sexual education will provide a strong foundation for children to make wise and safe decisions in the future.
5. Provide an Understanding of Smoking, Alcohol and Illegal Drugs
Cigarettes, alcohol and drugs are often temptations for children who are transitioning to adulthood. These substances can come from various directions, including from their social environment. It is important for parents to invite children to discuss and provide accurate information about the dangers of smoking, alcohol and illegal drugs.
In this way, children's awareness will increase, and they will be more careful in choosing relationships. These three substances have been proven to be harmful to health and can cause various serious diseases.
6. Encourage Children to Empathize
Encouraging children to empathize can help calm their anger during puberty. One effective way is to emphasize the importance of expressing feelings with polite speech. Expressing feelings in a good way aims to not hurt other people's feelings. Tell children that every word and attitude they show not only has an impact on other people, but also on themselves. In this way, children's sense of empathy will be honed, because they will begin to learn to put themselves in other people's positions.
7. Introduce Children to Sports or Music
Children who are undergoing puberty usually have great energy and passionate emotions. To channel this energy and emotions in a positive direction, invite your child to play sports or music. These activities not only help them avoid harmful negative behaviors, but also improve their socialization skills. Sports and music can be effective tools for developing children's social and emotional skills.
8. Give Wise Praise and Evaluation
Many parents are reluctant to give praise to their children. In fact, even the smallest praise can help increase a child's self-confidence. Give appropriate praise as a form of appreciation for their achievements or good actions.
Conversely, if the child makes a mistake, evaluate the mistake with a friendly approach. Avoid using harsh words or physical violence. Provide positive understanding so that children realize their mistakes and are motivated to correct them. This wise approach will help children grow into better and more responsible individuals.
As a parent, understanding your child's puberty is an important step in supporting their development. Knowing the signs and causes of puberty helps us respond to changes wisely and appropriately. By providing adequate emotional and educational support, we can help children get through this phase with more confidence and health. It is important to always listen and communicate openly with children, so that they feel supported and understood. Continue to accompany them on every step of this journey.
References:
Leave a comment