Puberty for Girls – When to Have the Talk
Puberty for girls is a topic many hesitate to broach. There is a lot of disagreement among parents about when to talk about puberty with girls. After all, some of the topics can be overwhelming. Talking about a young girl’s changing body can be a difficult conversation but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be a great conversation to have to prepare your daughter for puberty and all that comes with it.
How to talk to your daughter about puberty
Holding a conversation about puberty doesn’t have to be impossible. In fact, most of it can be held naturally through day-to-day life. Spending time talking about the different stages of puberty for girls is important. However, it’s also important as a parent that you spend some time understand those changes before they happen. Here are a few of the signs to keep in mind.
When does puberty start for girls?
According to an article from NHS, the average age a girl starts puberty is 11. That said, the age range can be from 8 to 14 years of age. This age range can vary and normal will look different for each child. However, it does work as a baseline when planning conversations about puberty with your daughter.
When does puberty end for girls?
According to the article from Cleaveland Clinic, most girls will reach the end of their puberty by the age of sixteen. That said, it will depend on the child and when they began the process.
What is puberty for girls?
When looking at having a conversation about puberty for girls it’s important to understand the different changes it implies. Understanding the different developmental changes will be an amazing starting place.
- Breast development – When a girl is starting puberty, she will start to develop breasts. The average age for this is between 11-13 though some girls start as early as the age of seven. It’s important to talk to girls about camis, training bras, and eventually bras.
- Pubic hair – Pubic hair growth can start as early as eight years old. It can help to discuss proper hygiene and tell a young girl what to expect from this development.
- Menstruation – A menstrual cycle is a normal part of puberty for a young girl. Their first period may be spotty or have a variety of differences from a traditional cycle. If your daughter’s first cycles last too long or are incredibly irregular it can help to see a gynecologist to discuss their reproductive health options.
- Added hair growth on legs and in armpits – This is the time in a young girl’s life when she’s more likely to have hair start to grow on her legs and armpits. Have a conversation about safely shaving legs and armpits. It can also help to discuss how to dispose of items and other courteous behaviors when it comes to shaving. (i.e. not using someone else’s razors)
- Increased sweating – As girls start puberty, they are more likely to sweat more. Not only will they sweat more, they will get strong body odor. This is the time to have important conversations about the frequency of showering, deodorant, and other self care needed as they start to sweat more.
- Acne – Acne is another typical experience during puberty. Talk to your daughter about caring for her skin. You may have to test a variety of products to help control acne. If it gets to be too aggressive, reach out to a dermatologist for a skin care plan that is better catered to your daughter’s needs.
Puberty for girls and doctor visits
Doctor visits will be different when your daughter goes through puberty. She will have to discuss her personal health with her doctor. Doctors may want to check their private areas to confirm all is healthy. Prepare your daughter for this and educate her about her rights. They will also discuss things such as the hpv vaccine and ask your child if they’re sexually active yet. Prepare yourself for these conversations before you go for the visit.
Looking for more?
- Moms Teach Sex Education – 10 Ways Moms fall short
- At what age should moms teach sex education?
- Puberty for Boys – When to Have the Talk
- Free Printable Hygiene Checklist
