The release of the female and male reproductive hormones in greater amounts during puberty leads to the development of secondary sex characteristics, as shown in the table below.
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Ideas of supporting children through physical changes
Teenagers are adjusting to their changing bodies, which might make them self-conscious or embarrassed at times. They also compare their bodies with friends and siblings. Children whose development seems to be taking a long time compared to friends might seem frustrated or emotional.
Friends and Adults, can help by:
ACTIVITIES (Answer the following questions in a Google document titled 'Physical Changes during Adolescence')
Website - additional information. http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/early_teens_development_nutshell.html
Teenagers are adjusting to their changing bodies, which might make them self-conscious or embarrassed at times. They also compare their bodies with friends and siblings. Children whose development seems to be taking a long time compared to friends might seem frustrated or emotional.
Friends and Adults, can help by:
- providing support, reassurance and matter-of-fact explanations of physical changes
- reinforcing that physical changes are different for every child
- avoiding words like ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to development
- not comparing children to others.
ACTIVITIES (Answer the following questions in a Google document titled 'Physical Changes during Adolescence')
Website - additional information. http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/early_teens_development_nutshell.html
- Do our bodies and brain fully develop at the same time? Give reasons for your answer.
- Do girls and boys grow at the same rate? Give reasons for your answer.
- Explain what the secondary sex characteristics of boys and girls are?
- Sexual development occurs during puberty. Explain what this means and why it happens.
- Identify the major hormones released during puberty and the effects they have on the body.
- What advice would you give a friend struggling with the physical changes of adolescence? Provide at least four strategies to help your friend cope.