A notable change in both boys and girls is the change in their skin. Hormones can set off acne, or pimples, on your teen’s face, back and other places on his/her body. This is thought of as the scourge of adolescence by teens. It is however, manageable and even severe acne can be treated.
There is body hair growth in both boys and girls during puberty. Fine hair is one of the first signs you may notice on your preteen as it is in the second tanner stage of growth. It will thicken and begin to look like adult body hair by the last stage of puberty.
The skull grows and thickens and there is growth in the jaw. These things can cause ear aches and/or headaches. Generally, these are growing pains, and will pass. But have your teen see a doctor if the pain is severe or the problem persists.
There is a reshaping of the eyes. A result in the reshaping of the eye is a change in the teenager’s ability to focus. It is at this age that many teens need glasses. As your teen’s eyes may not be finished growing, glasses or disposable contacts are a better choice than long wearing contacts.
In both males and females starting puberty the apocrine glands, found under the armpits and in the groin area, begin to function. These sweat glands are a bit different than the ones the human body uses to cool itself. Because of our sexual hormones, they are responsible for body odor – BO in your teen’s language.
Mood swings are also found in both sexes during puberty and often through adolescence. Hormones in both sexes can cause mood changes just as they cause physical changes. Your teen is not alone on his/her emotional roller coaster.
Both sexes have growth spurts. Their bodies grow up and begin to take their adult shape. While the shape one takes depends on the sex, the fact that growth happens is the same for both sexes.
While many of the changes your child will deal with during puberty will be exclusive to his or her sex, the things I have mentioned are the same in both sexes. So when the question, 'What about the boys/girls?' comes up, remember this article and you'll have part of your answer.
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