PUBERTY

1. PUBERTY for Girls

2. Lesson 3 All about you, girls!

3. What is puberty? Puberty is the time when your body changes from being a child to a young adult. Your body is preparing itself to be able to reproduce (have a baby).

4. Sara’s Story

5. “THEY TELL ME I’M GOING THROUGH PUBERTY” Hi, I’m Sara and I’d like to tell you about what’s happening to me. It seems that every day brings a new change. It’s almost like I’m getting a new body! They tell me I’m going through puberty.One thing that’s happening is this new hair that’s growing in places it’s never been before. Like under my arms and between my legs. I know this is normal, but it still takes getting used to. I know I’m smarter just because I’m able to think and write about what I’m going through now.

6. I don’t mind some of the changes I’m seeing. In fact, some things I even like. I’m taller than I was last year and my waist is getting thinner but my hips are getting wider. I’ve also noticed that my breasts are starting to develop. I’ve talked about this with my mum because sometimes my chest feels a bit sore. She’s told me this is perfectly normal and that when I’m ready she’ll take me to the shops and help me to choose a properly fitting bra.

7. The biggest change is that a few months ago I started my periods. Even though my Mum had told me this would happen and we’ve done some work about it at school, it was still rather a surprise when it actually happened to me! I’d had tummy ache that morning and then I noticed some blood when I went to the toilet. For a moment I was frightened and then I remembered what my Mum and teachers had told me and realised this is perfectly normal and healthy. I told Mum and she gave me a sanitary pad to keep my pants clean.

8. Since my first period I’ve had one roughly every 4 weeks. I mark them down in my diary so I know when to expect the next one. Sometimes I get a bit of a ‘warning’ that it’s about to start because my breasts feel tender or I get tummy ache or I feel a bit sensitive or sometimes all of these things! Sometimes I get no warning at all. I don’t worry though because I know periods are perfectly normal and healthy. Since I started my periods, I’ve found out that two other girls have stated their periods too but I know that some girls may not start their periods until they are about 18. Periods can be a bit of a pain but they also make me feel grown up.

9. But then, there are some changes that aren’t so good. Like B.O; body odour. I didn’t understand why I was starting to smell but when I was told that it is because my sweat glands are reacting to my hormones I realise it’s not too bad if I wash and use deodorant. What I really don’t like is spots. I remember I was getting ready to go to a party, when I looked in the mirror and saw this big spot staring back at me. I went to the party anyway. I noticed that many other kids had the same or worse luck with their spots. I wonder how common this is. There’s one thing I get a little embarrassed about. It’s even hard for me to say this. When I was at the party the other night, I was with someone I like and I got this new feeling, it was strange but kind of nice. They tell me it’s normal. Is it?

10. What changes happen to girls? Grow taller and heavier Bones grow bigger and heavier Waist narrows Hips broaden Hair and skin can become oily and you may get spots Body sweats more Breasts develop Hair grows on the face, under the armpits, around the genitals (pubic hair). May get more hair on arms, legs and face Periods start – find out more about this later! May have mood swings

11. The Female Reproductive System

12. The Menstrual Cycle The menstrual cycle is usually 28 days. However it can vary from between 23-35 days.

13. The Period Bleeding can last between 3 and 8 days. The average blood loss is only around 80ml(roughly 3 tablespoons). Periods happen once a month but a girls body takes time do get into a routine so for the first year or so the time between each period may vary. This is perfectly normal.

14. Lesson 4 All about boys!

15. Physical changes in boys? Grow taller and heavier • Bones grow bigger and heavier • Nose and jaw get bigger and face gets longer • Get more muscles • Hair and skin can become oily and you may get spots • Body sweats more • Hair grows on the face, under the armpits, around the genitals (pubic hair). • May get more hair on arms, legs and chest. • Voice gets deeper • ‘Adam’s apple’ forms (scientific name: Laryngeal Prominence) • Penis and testicles grow bigger and longer • May have mood swings, sexual thoughts and feelings

16. Penis Anatomy 1 Urethra • The tube through which urine and semen leaves the boy’s body Penis • Tube-like organ that hangs outside the body • Come in all sizes and shapes, determined by our genes Testicles or testes • Usually two, one hangs lower • Sometimes called balls or nuts • Where sperm are made Scrotum • Bag of skin that holds testicles • Keeps them at right temperature to make sperm, slightly cooler than body’s temperature • Gets bigger and baggier and turns a darker colour

17. Penis and Testicles 1 A boy’s penis and testicles will grow bigger and longer. Sometimes one testicle grows faster than the other, and it is natural for one to hang lower than the other. Pubic hair, will also start to grow at the base of the penis. As boys get older, this hair will grow thicker and coarser. Penises come in all shapes and sizes and all are very different. A boy’s penis may be circumcised for religious or health reasons. A boy’s penis doesn’t stop growing until he reaches the ages of 18 to 21. This diagram is only a representation. All boys’ bodies look different and penises come in many different shapes and sizes.

18. Erections • An erection happens when extra blood flows to the penis. This causes the penis to harden and lengthen. • Most erections are not straight, and tend to either curve upwards or to either side. • Erections can happen at any time for a variety of different reasons: Often boys are not able to control when this happens. This is perfectly normal.

19. Lesson 5 Personal Hygiene

20. Personal HygieneWhat do we do?

21. Lesson 6 Dealing with emotions

22. What causes conflict with friends? Other friendships, new friends. Misunderstandings, arguments. Girlfriends or boyfriends. Choice of things to do together. The way they talk to you, making you feel bad about yourself. They do not listen to you, they only talk about themselves. Jealousy.

23. Give and take with friends Try to not demand too much support and attention without giving some in return, they will feel resentful and used. Show mutual respect. Be honest with them. If you let a friend tell you how to behave and what to do, then you are not being fair to yourself or to them.

24. Emotional Changes It is not just your body that changes during puberty – your mind and feelings change too. Sometimes: - You may feel lonely and confused. - You may have mood swings (including irritability, tearfulness, overwhelming happiness and confusion). - You may want more independence. - You may also become argumentative and bad tempered.

25. What causes conflict with parents? Homework Clothes / Make up Games consoles (i.e. Wii, X-Box, Playstation) Internet usage Music choices and volume Friends Bedroom Choice of leisure activities

26. How to keep parents happy Keep them involved, tell them how you are feeling about things. Ask their advice, listen and if you disagree tell them why. Accept that they have the right to lay down some rules, be willing to meet them halfway. Try not to lose your temper, if you show them you can accept when they say no, may be they will be willing to say yes in the future. When going out, tell them where and with who, agree a time when you will return and ALWAYS let them know if you are going to be late. Help more around the house, without waiting to be asked!