Question

This module introduces the topic of puberty and explores how children develop physically, psychosocially, and cognitively during this time. Often, parents/caregivers are not comfortable talking with children about the changes they experience during puberty and, consequently, leave children to figure things out on their own.

As a parent/guardian, what do you think would be important to tell a child about puberty? Describe at least one thing you would explain from each of the following categories:

1. physical changes
2. psychosocial changes
3. cognitive changes

Answer 1

What's puberty?

It is a time period in which a boy or a girl becomes sexually mature. The process usually begins between 12 to 16 for boys and 10 to 14 for girls. It causes physical changes but affects both gender in a different way.

what do you think would be important to tell a child about puberty?

- The first and major factor is to be reassuring the children.it's because children feel insecure about their bodily changes and often get anxious and confused. To prevent this parents must educate their children before the process of puberty begins.

- apart from changes in body, parents must alert their children about the chances of physical abuses during this period since children are vulnerable to get abused due to their enthusiasm and urge to explore more about their own physique.

physical changes

In boys:

Puberty usually begins with reproductive organs getting bigger.

Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.

Muscles grow, the voice deepens, and facial hair develops as puberty continues.

In girls:

The first sign of puberty is usually breast development.

Then hair grows in the pubic area and armpits.

Menstruation (or a period) usually happens last.

Psychosocial changes

Social changes

- independence

Children try to become more independent and seek more freedom

-identity

Children try hard to display or enhance their identity to highlight them

-responsibility

Children often seems to be more responsible in house and schools

Emotional changes

-mood swings

Children often get highly emotional like get annoyed easily or be very affectionate.

- sensitive to others emotions

He/she try to understand people more by evaluating their emotions

- decision making

It's a tough stage for a child to make decisions at this stage. Often they find it confusing.

Cognitive changes

What is cognitive development?

Cognitive development means the growth of a child’s ability to think and reason. This growth happens differently from ages 6 to 12, and from ages 12 to 18.

- children thinks in a complex way to solve problems

-they develop a new view about the world

-confused decision making abilities

-conflicts between parents and peers

-often being unhappy

-tend to trust others than parents and siblings.