Puberty myth-busters
There are lots of myths about puberty that we hear as teenagers, so we chatted to some of our Big Sisters to find out about ones they heard whilst growing up and their actual experience.
Remember, puberty doesn’t have to be scary or daunting! It’s something we all go through and with the right knowledge and support from those around you, you’ll be able to see it as a time of discovery rather than something to worry about.
Myth: Puberty happens at the same time for everyone.
Fact: This isn’t true! Puberty differs for each person. In general, girls begin puberty earlier than boys, with puberty usually beginning between eight and 13 for girls, but everyone’s different. Don’t panic if you experience puberty earlier or later than your friends, everyone’s timeline is unique!
Anisha’s experience: I remember this knocking my self-esteem when I was younger, as I saw lots of people around me getting their first period or beginning to notice other changes years before I did, and I used to think that there was something wrong with me, but I’ve realised now that that’s okay! Going through puberty at different ages, is not a bad thing, there’s no set timeline.
Myth: Changes in your body can happen overnight.
Nafeesa’s experience: Realistically, things like an increase in breast size, body hair and growing in height happen over a long period of time and won’t suddenly occur once you get your first period. For me, it was when I was in years 7-8 at school that I started sweating more and growing body hair. My mum sat me down and talked about the importance of using deodorant and talked me through the best way to shave if I wanted to do it. She even had a conversation about facial hair with me, which was really comforting as it was something I’d been conscious of but hadn’t wanted to say anything about because of embarrassment.
Myth: Children almost immediately grow taller after puberty hits.
Anisha’s experience: I used to be quite short, so I was looking forward to this growth spurt … until it did not come for years. I was worried that I was broken, or I missed out on this opportunity - until a year after I started to experience puberty, where I shot up. Now I’m fairly tall (5’7), and I laugh at past me for wanting to be tall so badly. On the other hand, I have friends who barely grew at all! Everyone is different, and not everyone will experience the same exact changes.
Myth: Puberty only affects you physically
Erin’s experience: Puberty can cause emotional changes as well as physical ones and this is totally normal. It’s important to be kind to yourself during this time as puberty can be scary with all of the changes happening to your body and mind. Just take it day by day and talk about any worries or fears with a caregiver, friend or trusted adult.
Nafeesa’s experience: I found myself becoming more emotional with PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and I couldn’t understand that at first. Now I’ve learnt to take a step back, cut myself some slack and not work myself up too much, especially if I know I’m on my period.
Start your journey
Ready to get started? Take a look at how Big Sister can help you navigate your journey through exercise and puberty with free resources and information on activities in your area.