Puberty can be quite a sensitive topic for some people especially for those who are currently undergoing it. Paula, a friend of mine and a mother to an 11 year old, was getting a bit anxious as her daughter enters into the tumultuous world of adolescence. I know that I will be in a similar situation as my friend's as my own little girl is fast growing up. My friend gave me a glimpse on the changes the opposite sex encounters during this phase through her narration of her own experience.
Many people associate puberty in girls with the occurrence of their first menstrual period. However I recently learned that it actually involves different stages. Paula went through the earliest stages at around age 10. It was that time wherein she noticed significant changes in her body like the enlargement of the breasts, growth of body hair, and spurt in height as well. This, she said, was the most awkward of all phases. She felt embarrassed and conscious about the transformations her body was going through. The reality that she was starting on the path to womanhood was difficult for her to fathom. She perceived herself as a child and wanted to remain as such. If only she could stop time but Mother Nature is such a powerful force to reckon with. Puberty is as inevitable as change itself.
Paula had her very first menstrual period 2 months before turned 12. What she felt was a spectrum of emotions. Excited, conflicted, and the most of all, ill at ease. Once again, embarrassment permeated her every pore. At that moment, she could neither explain nor comprehend why she sensed that but all she wanted was to keep the news to herself. She felt as although she was no longer a child. Realizing that she was unprepared to cope with the seemingly catalytic event, she timidly approached the only person she thought would understand best - her mother. Her mama provided her with comfort and assuaged her fears. Good thing it happened during summer vacation as it consequently saved her from anxiety over than leaks and what nots.
With the onset of her monthly cycle came even more dramatic changes in her physical appearance. Her body was much closer in form to that of a fully blossomed woman. Almost but not quite. She became more self conscious and more discerning about her image. The media, according to her, had greatly impacted on her perception. Insecurity set in as she realized that she did not fit in to what others opined as beautiful. This caught my attention and had me fascinated. Paula elaborated that the differences in body type and physical features are further accentuated during adolescence. Some girls are voluptuous and curvy while others are not. There are those who acquired a nice glow while there are a number of girls and boys alike who developed acne. Fortunately, she said, she never had any problem with break outs. That was one advantage she could think of. What she recalled succinctly are the questions that played in her mind. Why could I not be more like the ones featured in print media and television, curvy in the right places, flawless, and self assured? Am I considered attractive? She could not muster enough confidence as she felt her body was still stuck between that of a child's and that of a woman's.
I realized how crucial it truly is to spend quality time with my kid to foster trust and build her confidence. Anticipating that there will eventually be differences between us come her teens, I hope to savor each moment of her childhood. Ah, how time flies.
Many people associate puberty in girls with the occurrence of their first menstrual period. However I recently learned that it actually involves different stages. Paula went through the earliest stages at around age 10. It was that time wherein she noticed significant changes in her body like the enlargement of the breasts, growth of body hair, and spurt in height as well. This, she said, was the most awkward of all phases. She felt embarrassed and conscious about the transformations her body was going through. The reality that she was starting on the path to womanhood was difficult for her to fathom. She perceived herself as a child and wanted to remain as such. If only she could stop time but Mother Nature is such a powerful force to reckon with. Puberty is as inevitable as change itself.
Paula had her very first menstrual period 2 months before turned 12. What she felt was a spectrum of emotions. Excited, conflicted, and the most of all, ill at ease. Once again, embarrassment permeated her every pore. At that moment, she could neither explain nor comprehend why she sensed that but all she wanted was to keep the news to herself. She felt as although she was no longer a child. Realizing that she was unprepared to cope with the seemingly catalytic event, she timidly approached the only person she thought would understand best - her mother. Her mama provided her with comfort and assuaged her fears. Good thing it happened during summer vacation as it consequently saved her from anxiety over than leaks and what nots.
With the onset of her monthly cycle came even more dramatic changes in her physical appearance. Her body was much closer in form to that of a fully blossomed woman. Almost but not quite. She became more self conscious and more discerning about her image. The media, according to her, had greatly impacted on her perception. Insecurity set in as she realized that she did not fit in to what others opined as beautiful. This caught my attention and had me fascinated. Paula elaborated that the differences in body type and physical features are further accentuated during adolescence. Some girls are voluptuous and curvy while others are not. There are those who acquired a nice glow while there are a number of girls and boys alike who developed acne. Fortunately, she said, she never had any problem with break outs. That was one advantage she could think of. What she recalled succinctly are the questions that played in her mind. Why could I not be more like the ones featured in print media and television, curvy in the right places, flawless, and self assured? Am I considered attractive? She could not muster enough confidence as she felt her body was still stuck between that of a child's and that of a woman's.
I realized how crucial it truly is to spend quality time with my kid to foster trust and build her confidence. Anticipating that there will eventually be differences between us come her teens, I hope to savor each moment of her childhood. Ah, how time flies.
About the Author:
I am Debra P. Hill, a mother to two teenage kids. I also write articles during my free time on different topics such as family, puberty, pregnancy, health, lifestyle, traveling, and a lot more.
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