Navigating the Puberty Journey: Tips for Parents and Adolescents

Puberty is a transformative time filled with changes—some expected, some surprising and many that can feel overwhelming. From growth spurts to emotional shifts, this stage marks the beginning of a young person’s journey toward adulthood. But, while puberty is a universal experience, it affects everyone differently, making it essential to understand what’s happening and why.

Whether you're experiencing these changes yourself or guiding someone through them, this article will help you navigate the ups and downs of puberty with confidence, knowledge and a little bit of reassurance. We turn to the expertise of Dr. Grace Nelson, a pediatric endocrinologist with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital.

What Happens During Puberty?

Puberty is the biological transition from an immature state to reproductive maturity, meaning an individual becomes capable of having offspring. It typically begins between ages 8-13 for girls and 9-14 for boys, which is why middle school girls often appear taller than boys. Key milestones include the onset of breast development in girls, often signaling the need for a bra, and testicular enlargement in boys, which is usually monitored by pediatricians during checkups.

A key “side effect” that accompanies puberty is changes to the brain—which can lead to angst between parents and teenagers.

“There are all those hormones, the estrogen and testosterone, which have effects on our brain, and they're really important for our brain maturation. Those rapid changes in hormones can definitely make us feel emotions a lot stronger,” explains Dr. Nelson. “Then, combined with that age and getting more independence, they go hand in hand. There definitely can be some turmoil as teenagers start to develop their independence, and that can be stressful for the parent-child relationship.”

Understanding Early and Delayed Puberty

Early and delayed puberty are relatively common reasons for referral to a pediatric endocrinologist. Around one percent of children experience early puberty, while about three percent have delayed puberty.

If a girl develops breasts before age 8 or a boy experiences testicular changes before age 9, an evaluation is recommended. While variations of normal exist and medical intervention may not always be necessary, early consultation with a primary doctor is important to determine if further assessment is needed.

“We talk very openly with our patients about what they're experiencing, and if we're seeing a young kid going through early puberty, or one going through delayed puberty, we talk to them about what they're feeling to address them where they're at,” says Dr. Nelson. “If we need to refer them to a therapist of any kind for other reasons, we’re always tuned into that. And, we have lots of resources.”

Strategies to Ease the Puberty Journey

Physical activity plays a crucial role in puberty. Both excessive and insufficient activity levels can impact its timing. Being underweight or excessively active may delay puberty, while a sedentary lifestyle and excess weight can contribute to earlier onset. Maintaining a balanced level of physical activity helps support healthy development.

Dr. Nelson also urges an approach where adolescents engage with others in whatever way that fulfills them. “I think it’s important to have as much of an enriched life beyond school and the right balance of extracurriculars so kids feel supported and have a sense of belonging, because during puberty you can sort of lose that feeling as so many changes are happening.”