Puberty Timing
Everyone starts puberty at the same age.
Myth - there is a lot of variation in when you start puberty.
Body hair may grow in new places like underarms and the pubic area.
Fact - it may also grow in some other places that surprise you. Check with a trusted adult before trying to remove it.
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body.
Fact - we have tons of hormones in our body at all times causing physical changes and also emotional changes like signaling us to do things like focus, fight, cuddle, and all sorts of things.
People may sweat more during puberty.
Fact - huzzah!
Stronger emotions can happen during puberty.
Fact - thanks, hormones!
Puberty is an unnecessary and awkward life event with no purpose except to embarrass us.
Myth - puberty is just your body transitioning from being a child to being an adult
Feet often grow before the rest of the body during growth spurts.
Fact - it also can make you a bit more clumsy temporarily!
Estrogen and testosterone help cause many puberty changes.
Fact - the pituitary gland in our brain releases these hormones and leads to several of these changes that allow us to one day have babies.
Deodorant can help with stronger body odor.
Fact - and you should pack it in your bags because sometimes after playing sports or recess, you'll need a refresh. It gets better once you're older.
Comparing yourself with your friends is a good way to know if what you are going through is normal.
Myth - while friends can be great support, it's important to keep in mind that everyone develops differently (but we do all become adults eventually)
Puberty can start as early as about age 8 for some kids.
Fact - this can be due to genetic factors as well as some environmental factors
Everyone gets acne during puberty.
Myth - some of you will be lucky and the rest of us low key hate you. :)
Only boys have testosterone and only girls have estrogen.
Myth - everyone has both, just in different amounts!
Washing your face can help with oily skin and pimples.
Fact - your body will produce more oil during puberty, which along with dirt and grime makes your skin produce more pimples. Some of acne can be genetic as well, and some people don't get pimples.
Mood swings mean something is wrong with you and you need to see a therapist.
Myth - mood swings are a normal part of having lots of unfamiliar hormones, and learning how to manage low moods with healthy thoughts and behaviors is an important part of puberty.
If you haven't started puberty before age 13, you should immediately speak with a doctor.
Myth - puberty typically starts between 8 - 13 for girls and 9 - 14 for boys
If you're unhappy with your body, you should dramatically cut back on the number of calories you are eating.
Myth - it is completely normal to grow out and in over the course of puberty, and cutting back the number of calories you are eating at this age can contribute to lifelong struggles with weight and eating. Talking to a trusted adult who has a healthy relationship with their body can help if you want to make some smaller choices to have more health and nutrition, but sleep and exercise are also important to think about too.
The brain sends signals that start puberty.
Fact - it all starts with your big brain.
Popping your pimples will make them look much less noticeable.
Myth - sorry, it seems like such a good idea in the moment, and it is always such a bad idea afterwards. It's best to just let it run its course, and less likely to create scar tissues.
All teenagers have a terrible relationship with their parents.
Myth - One study found that only 7% of teens reported a deteriorating relationship with their parents, while 78.2% reported it remained constant, and 14.8% reported improvement.
Puberty usually happens gradually over several years.
Fact - although certain specific parts of puberty can happen very quickly (like voice dropping over the summer)
Your voice might crack while it is changing.
Fact - and the puberty gods will ensure that you get a karmic equivalent if you make fun of someone for it.
Hormones travel through the body in the bloodstream.
Fact - how else would they get there?
Getting enough sleep helps your body grow during puberty.
Fact - your sleep and nutrition are extremely important, and can actually help with reducing your acne!
If you think or feel something with a lot of conviction, it means it's true and you should act on those thoughts and feelings.
Myth - sometimes our thoughts and feelings are helpful, and sometimes they aren't. All humans fall for some common thinking mistakes that can snowball into making us feel more depressed and anxious. Learning how to check your thoughts and manage your feelings is an important part of puberty.