She’s Not “Suddenly Different” — She’s Developing
Puberty is the period of development during which a child’s body gradually matures.
Hormonal changes during puberty contribute to physical and emotional development.
For girls, changes may include:
- Breast development
- Growth in height
- Changes in body proportions
- Pubic and underarm hair
- Increased sweating
- Body odour
- Oilier skin or acne
- Vaginal discharge
- Menstruation
- Emotional changes
These changes don’t necessarily happen in the same order or at the same age for everyone.
Avoid Comparisons
Statements such as:
“Your sister wasn’t like this.”
“You’re developing too quickly.”
“Why haven’t you developed like your friends?”
can make normal developmental differences feel like failures.
Instead, reinforce the idea that bodies develop at different rates.
Respect Growing Privacy
As children mature, they may want more privacy when dressing, bathing or managing their periods.
Where appropriate and safe, respecting this growing independence can help them develop healthy personal boundaries.
Yazz® Parent Tip
Puberty isn’t only something happening to her body.
It’s a period when she’s also developing greater independence, self-awareness and identity.
Guide the person — not just the changes.