Enjoy Being YOU!

PUBERTY... the process of growing from a child to an adult.

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SOMETIME BETWEEN THE AGES OF 8-14... your body will change in new, exciting - and sometimes confusing - ways.

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YOU’LL CHANGE IN OTHER WAYS,TOO...

in the ways you think and feel about:

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• yourself
• your family
• your friends
• your world

EVERYONE CHANGES

AS THEY GROW

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PHYSICALLY,

You’ll begin to look more like an adult.

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MENTALLY,

You’ll be able to make more decisions for yourself.

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EMOTIONALLY,

You may experience more intense emotions

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SOCIALLY,

You may feel the need for friends more than ever, and you may try out new interests, hobbies, styles, etc.

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AND…

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EACH PERSON CHANGES AT THEIR OWN PACE

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Some people begin puberty earlier or later than their friends. Whenever you start is “normal” for you!

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HOW YOU GROW DURING PUBERTY

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BREASTS develop. (It’s normal for one breast to grow

more quickly than the other.)

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HANDS AND FEET grow quickly, and reach adult size long before the rest of you does.

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HEIGHT increases, until you are almost your adult size. For a while, your legs may be very long in proportion to the rest of your body.

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HAIR grows in the armpits and the pubic area. It may be a different color or texture than the hair on your head. Fine hair grows on arms and legs.

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SKIN becomes thicker and more oily, and perspiration increases.

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WHY PUBERTY HAPPENS

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• Puberty starts when a gland just beneath the front of your brain – the pituitary gland – sends a signal for your body to start making a special chemicals or hormones – one hormone is called estrogen.

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• Estrogen is produced in the ovaries and causes many physical changes. Some changes include breast development, and starting the menstrual cycle.

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THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

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• Begins on the first day of menstruation (also called a menstrual “period”).
• The average cycle is 28 days, but it can vary. (Your cycles may be longer, shorter or irregular at first.)

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• Egg in ovary matures
• Egg is released from ovary.
• Egg travels down the

fallopian tube to the uterus.

4. Menstruation begins. It usually lasts 3-6 days.

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SANITARY PADS OR TAMPONS are used to absorb

the menstrual flow.

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PUBERTY CHANGES THE WAY YOU RELATE TO YOUR WORLD

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You may have more responsibilities at home, in school, etc. You will make big decisions about what’s important to you (values), friends, and goals.

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Your emotions may be strong and may frequently change.

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You may seek independence from your family, yet still want the security that it provides.

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Learn how to share your feelings with your family. If you are upset with someone, describe your feelings.

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Friends and belonging to a group might become important. Always remember that you are VALUABLE, no matter what “group” you are in.

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Pressures from peers can be strong. Be sure you make the right decisions for YOU.

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TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF!

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*Eat a healthy diet

*Drink Water and avoid sugary drinks

*Keep your skin and hair clean

*Get enough rest and exercise

*Shower regularly, especially after activities

*Use deodorant and change clothes daily

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HOW CAN I FIND OUT MORE about the changes that I am going through?

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Many adults will be happy to answer questions. REMEMBER, they went through puberty too!

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You could ask a trusted adult...

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*parent *teacher

*relative *school nurse

*school counselor *PE teacher

*family friend *coach

*club leader *doctor

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(There are many books available to help, too)

ENJOY BEING YOU!

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• Understand how you are changing – physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially.

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• Share your feelings

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• Ask questions to learn more.

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• Take good care of yourself – respect yourself and your body.

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And relax! Don’t worry about how fast or slow you are growing. It is the right pace for YOU!

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Always Changing Puberty Video (click on the link)

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