Puberty

All children will go through puberty at some stage. Some will reach puberty as young as 8, where others may not reach puberty until they are 14 or above. It's a normal and natural part of growing up and starts to prepare your child for adulthood.

Some children may be worried about the changes that are happening to their bodies and you must reassure them that this is just the next stage in life, which everyone goes through. Try to be open and honest about the changes that will occur and try and talk to them, allowing them to ask as many questions as they like.

As well as changes to skin, hair, teeth, body shape and hormones, puberty can cause changes in your child’s brain too, meaning this may change their moods, appetite and even sleep patterns. This is all quite normal but you can speak to a GP if you or your child are worried about anything.

As all these changes take place, it is good to talk to your child about the importance of daily personal health. Puberty can cause sweat levels to change and, internally, sex organs will be changing too. Explain that staying clean and wearing deodorant will help prevent body odours.

For more advice that's easy for your child to understand, see information on puberty and your body from Childline.

The NHS have the following pages on puberty:

• Puberty
• Starting your periods
• Period problems