Helping your child navigate puberty

Puberty is an exciting - but sometimes confusing - part of growing up. While every change that happens is completely normal and natural, your child may have questions or worries about their developing body. 

At Banner Children’s, our care team is here to help kids and parents navigate puberty with confidence. Whether you’re answering questions at home or seeking guidance from your child’s pediatrician, we provide the information and support you need for this important stage of development. 

Puberty concerns for girls 

Girls begin experiencing puberty between ages 8 and 13, though everyone’s timeline is different. These are some of the most common changes and questions you may want to discuss with your daughter. 

Breast development 

It’s common for girls to feel self-conscious when their breasts begin to grow - especially if one develops faster than the other. Remind your child that it’s completely normal for breasts to differ in size and shape. Encourage her to wear comfortable clothing and talk openly about how she feels. 

First period (menstruation) 

Starting a period is one of the biggest milestones in puberty. Preparing your daughter for what to expect can make this transition easier. Here are some important points to cover: 

• The menstrual cycle is a normal, healthy part of growing up. 
• A clear or white discharge often appears before her first period. 
• Cycles may be irregular at first as the body adjusts. 
• Symptoms like mild cramps, mood changes or bloating are common. 
• Exercise, over-the-counter medicine and heating pads can help with cramps. 
• Pads or tampons should be changed regularly, and tampons shouldn’t be worn overnight. 
• Periods shouldn’t stop your child from doing the activities she enjoys, including sports or swimming. 

If your daughter has heavy bleeding, severe pain or frequent irregularities, schedule a visit with a Banner Children’s pediatrician or adolescent medicine specialist for guidance. 

Puberty concerns for boys 

Boys typically begin puberty between ages 9 and 14. Like girls, they may have questions or feel embarrassed by some of the changes their bodies go through. Open, honest conversations can help ease worries and normalize these experiences. 

Voice changes 

As the voice box (larynx) grows and vocal cords lengthen, your son’s voice may crack or sound uneven. Reassure him that this is normal and temporary - the voice will stabilize as puberty continues. 

Wet dreams 

During puberty, it’s normal for boys to have “wet dreams,” or nighttime ejaculations. These are not caused by urination or sexual dreams - they simply mean the body is maturing. Help your son understand that this happens to nearly all boys and is nothing to feel embarrassed about. 

Involuntary erections 

Spontaneous erections can occur without touching or sexual thoughts. While this can be awkward, it’s another normal part of puberty. Encourage your son to remember that these moments pass quickly and become less frequent over time. 

When to reach out for help 

If your child feels anxious, confused or uncomfortable about any part of puberty - or if you have concerns about their development - Banner Children’s pediatric experts are here to help. 

Our team offers support, education and care to help families navigate every stage of growing up. 

Find a pediatrician near you.