Puberty happens at different times for different people, and there is no way of knowing when your child will begin puberty. Your child will develop at their own pace; however, girls tend to start puberty earlier than boys. The age range when puberty happening includes:

• girls: generally, between 8 to 13 years
• boys: generally, between 9 to 14 years.

Puberty won’t happen overnight. Your child will experience hormonal changes before physical changes gradually occur. 

Puberty can take anywhere between 18 months and five years to complete. Your child’s body will develop at the right pace for them. However, if you are concerned about your child’s development or the onset of puberty is before or after these ranges, speak to your family doctor.

The increase in hormones in your child will trigger the following physical changes in females: 

• breasts: breasts will start to develop as small buds under the nipples. The skin around the nipple called the areola, will get bigger and darker and may grow hair. It is normal for breast buds to feel tender or sensitive while growing. Crop tops and training bras can be worn to give extra support.
• body shape: the pelvis (or hips) gets wider, and her body may become curvier
• hair: hair on the arms and legs gets darker. Hair will also start to grow around the vulva and underarms. There may also be hair growth on the nipples, stomach, back and face.
• height: girls get taller, and this is often referred to as a ‘growth spurt’
• muscles: muscles will start to grow, and they will become stronger
• genitals: the external genitals will become darker in colour
• vaginal discharge: there will be discharge (a clear, whitish, or creamy-coloured secretion) that comes out of the vagina about 6 –12 months before the first period and between or during subsequent periods. This discharge is natural and can be thin, thick, sticky, or gooey. Discharge helps keep your vagina clean, moist and works to prevent infections. Your child may like to wear a liner in her underwear to keep them dry.
• menstrual cycle: also known as a period, where the lining of the uterus grows, the ovaries release an egg, and the lining sheds when the egg is not fertilised. This may come with period pain such as cramps, back pain or aches. Your child may also experience pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). See the section below on ‘Periods’.
• pimples: the glands in the skin get bigger and produce more oil. This can lead to dirt and oil build-up in areas such as the face, shoulders, back and neck, which have more oil glands. Increased oil production in these areas can cause whiteheads, blackheads and pimples. Severe breakouts of pimples can be caused by a condition called acne. See your local doctor or dermatologist if you are concerned.

There is a large variation in development throughout puberty, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Your child can increase their independence by learning to manage their different hygiene needs during puberty. See the 'caring for the body during puberty' section below for advice to support your child and their body during puberty.

The increase in hormones in your child will trigger the following physical changes in males:

• voice: the voice will become noticeably deeper because the larynx (or Adam’s apple) becomes larger and may become more obvious. The voice may take a while to ‘break’, causing his voice to fluctuate in depth.
• hair: hair on the arms and legs gets darker and thicker. Hair also starts to grow on the face, underarms, pubic area, chest and back and can continue to grow into their 20s. Hair gets thicker and darker as they grow and age.
• height: males get taller, which is often referred to as a ‘growth spurt’
• muscles: muscles will start to grow, and they will become stronger
• body and face shape: his shoulders will widen, his chest will broaden, and the shape of the jaw and face will change
• pimples/acne: the glands in the skin get bigger and produce more oil. This can lead to dirt and oil build-up in areas such as the face, shoulders, back and neck, which have more oil glands. Increased oil production in these areas can cause whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and acne.
• breast development: it is normal for males to have some small breast growth and tenderness during puberty but this will usually go away as they age. The skin around the nipple called the areola, will get bigger and darker and may grow hair.  
• genitals: the scrotum, which is the skin that holds the testicles, lowers and darkens in colour. The external genitals (penis, scrotum and testicles) also grow bigger. Penises come in all shapes and sizes and are unique to each person. Reproduction and sexual function don’t depend on penis size.

There is a large variation in how your child develops throughout puberty, and it isn’t the same for everyone. These physical changes mean that your child will need to take increasing responsibility for their hygiene to ensure they are healthy and clean. See the 'caring for the body during puberty' section below for advice to support your child and their body during puberty.

1. Hormones in the body tell the ovaries to produce an egg, usually from one side of the ovary but sometimes both!
2. While this is happening, the uterus will start to grow a lining full of blood and nutrients to prepare for an egg.
3. When the egg has matured, it will be released by the ovary. The egg will travel down the fallopian tubes and arrive in the uterus 16-32 hours later. This is called ovulation.
4. Pregnancy:
   1. If there is sperm present, it can meet with an egg. This is called fertilisation.
   2. The fertilised egg can then bury itself into the lining of the uterus. This is called implantation.
   3. A fertilised egg that has implanted in the uterus can grow into a pregnancy.
5. No pregnancy:
   1. If there is no sperm to fertilise the egg, the egg will continue to travel and eventually break down and be absorbed back into the body
   2. Because there is no pregnancy, the lining of the uterus is not needed and will start to break down
   3. Once the lining starts to break down, it will flow out of the cervix and vagina as a bleed, also known as a period
   4. While the bleed is happening, the ovaries will be preparing for the next cycle which will then repeat each month.

Did you know? The left and right ovaries usually alternate releasing an egg each month.

The first period will usually start between 11 to 14 years old. Generally, a period or menstrual cycle is about 28 days, including 3 to 7 days of bleeding. This can vary and is not always the same. It is normal for periods to be irregular for the first few years, but they tend to settle into a regular pattern over time. Periods usually last anywhere between 3 to 7 days.

The cycle is counted from the first day of the period or bleed until the first day of the next period. Periods tend to be heavier on Day 1 and get lighter towards the end of the period.

What is normal for one teenager can be different for another.  A person's period is unique to them. A period can look different in terms of:

• what colour or texture the bleed is
• how it makes you feel physically and emotionally
• how long the bleed goes for and how long in between
• how old you are when you get your first period.

It is important that your child is familiar with what is normal for them so they can be confident in managing their period. Talk to your family doctor if:

• you or your child have any concerns
• something changes
• mood swings, pain or other symptoms disrupt their daily activities
• your child does not feel quite right.

It is normal for parents, carers and children to be anxious about expecting the first period and the many changes it brings. You can help your child by having early conversations about:

• different period products, where you can buy them and how they are used
• what to expect from your first period
• how to dispose of used period products
• managing cramps, pain and other symptoms
• how they can continue doing activities like sports and swimming when they are on their period
• eating and drinking well during their period
• pain and other signs that something might be wrong
• where relevant, your own experience with periods.

Conversations with your child about sex, pregnancy, and the menstrual cycle are important to:

• explain why their period happens
• learn about how to prevent pregnancy
• safeguard your child from harm
• help your child understand how their body works and how to take care of it
• reduce stigma
• help your child know when something is not right.

Getting blood on underwear, clothes, or sheets is very common and is nothing to be ashamed of. It happens to most if not all, females at some stage throughout their reproductive years. If this happens, sheets or clothing can be rinsed, soaked, and washed with cold water and detergent.

You can help your child develop their independence and manage their period on their own by:

• making a period pack that contains period products, tissues, spare underwear and other items
• encouraging them to keep track of their periods on their phone, an app or a diary
• trying different products to figure out what works best for them.

In NSW, every public school offers free period products to support students’ access to clean and hygienic materials from clean dispensers. The period products available will depend on local needs and preferences and may include one or a combination of pads, tampons or period underwear. Talk to your child's Principal to see if this applies to their school.

The increase in hormones during puberty will impact how your child thinks, feels and acts. Your child is still learning how to manage their emotions and, therefore, may have fluctuations in their mood. Your child may be happy and excited one minute and flat, sad or insecure the next. Some fluctuations are normal, and it can be useful to discuss helpful coping strategies with your child. However, if mood swings or negative emotions persist or disrupt daily activities, speak with your child and seek support from your family doctor. 

See Mental health for more information.

During puberty, your child might start to be attracted to other people and develop intimate feelings towards others. Physical and hormonal changes from puberty increase sexual feelings, thoughts, and desires. Children may develop a crush or be in a relationship with another person.

Your child may be interested in someone from the opposite sex, same-sex, or both sexes. Others may not be interested in dating, which is also common. There is no right or wrong age to develop an attraction towards others, and your child shouldn’t feel pressured to date, even if their friends are.

Body image is an individual's thoughts, feelings, and attitudes about their body and appearance, including their shape, size and weight. A healthy body image is when your child feels comfortable and confident in their own body and appreciates their worth irrespective of their physical appearance. 

During puberty, children may become more self-conscious about their appearance and vulnerable to developing negative body image due to the physical and emotional changes they experience. 

See Body image and self confidence for more information on supporting your child’s body image. 

Having a child who is about to go through or is going through puberty can be challenging to navigate. It’s important for you to talk to children early about puberty to ensure they get the right information delivered in a safe and age-appropriate way. 

How to talk to your child:

1. pick the right time when your child isn’t busy or distracted and seems open to talking
2. find out what they know
3. provide the correct information in a safe and age-appropriate way and correct any mistakes or misinformation
4. give them the opportunity to ask questions
5. keep the line of communication open.

When your child is going through puberty, there are some things you can do to support their healthy growth and development during this time:

• Nutrition: during puberty, your child will have a bigger appetite and need more energy. Provide your child with a well-balanced diet and plenty of water. Foods high in calcium and iron, especially for girls who lose blood during menstruation, are essential for their bones, muscles, and blood circulation. Food and drinks that contain caffeine should be limited as they reduce the absorption of some nutrients such as calcium.
• Sleep: during puberty, children start to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, later in the day, meaning your child may want to go to bed later and not get up as early in the morning. You can help by ensuring they have a regular sleep schedule and get sufficient sleep. See Sleep hygiene for more information.
• Wellbeing: there are a lot of social and emotional changes during puberty, so check in with your child regularly to see how they are coping. If they are struggling, get your child to talk to their local doctor. See Mental health for more information.
• Exercise: encourage at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity or exercise each day to lower your child’s risk of excess weight gain. Exercise also helps increase self-esteem, lower anxiety and stress, and improve mood, which can be largely impacted during this time.
• Privacy: your child will want more privacy and personal space as they experience changes to the way they look, feel, and think. It is important to respect your child's privacy and always knock before entering your child’s room.
• Support: provide support and reassurance to your adolescent during this time. Remind them that changes are entirely normal. Be patient and keep an open line of communication to ensure they can come to you for any questions or if they are in trouble.

During puberty, the body undergoes hormonal changes that cause the sweat glands to get bigger, become more active, and produce more oil. This increased oil production can lead to dirt build-up, clogged pores, and acne. Additionally, increased sweat production can cause body odour which your child may not have been previously aware of in themselves. Maintaining good hygiene during this period is essential to ensure your child is healthy, clean, and confident. 

Here are some key hygiene tips:

• apply antiperspirant deodorant regularly to reduce underarm sweat and body odour, for example, roll on or spray deodorant
• shower daily and pay extra attention to areas that tend to sweat more, such as the armpits, genitals, and feet
• wash the face with a mild soap or cleanser or as recommended by your doctor or dermatologist
• if pimples arise, avoid squeezing or scratching them, as this can scar or make them worse
• wash hair at least once a week to clean the oil build-up on the head
• wash clothes regularly as body sweat transfers to your child’s clothes, causing clothes to smell
• if shaving, use a gel or soap, change the blade regularly (or throw it away if disposable), and rinse the razor every few strokes to prevent razor burn, cuts, or slices
• for girls, always wash hands thoroughly before and after applying and removing period products
• for circumcised boys, teach your child to always wash their penis every time they shower
• for uncircumcised boys, teach your child to clean under their foreskin every time they shower and rinse thoroughly with water before re-covering the head of their penis. 

Speak to your doctor if you or your child have any concerns with these hygiene tips.