Phases of puberty

The phases of puberty vary between the sexes and there are many different ways to classify them. For both sexes, the beginning of physical changes is a purely hormonal change and is therefore not externally visible.

This marks the beginning of pre-adolescence and usually starts at the end of primary school.
The children begin to withdraw and develop a sense of shame even in front of their parents. Rules and regulations are often ignored or discussed. Especially boys develop a strong urge to move.

This phase usually lasts one to two years.
The peak phase of puberty usually takes place between the ages of 12 and 16. The physical and mental development is now clearly visible.The young people become sexually mature and often make their first experiences with the opposite sex. Peers replace the parents as contact persons for many problems.
After the 16th year of life the late puberty begins.
The actual physical changes are completed and the adolescents detach from their parents. However, the discussions between parents and children decrease significantly. Puberty is completed and the girls and boys become adults.

The duration of puberty can be judged differently.

The main phase of puberty between the ages of 12 and 16 lasts approximately four years. However, this varies greatly from individual to individual. Already the beginning of puberty depends on many factors.

Today, puberty begins relatively early, which is attributed to the good nutritional condition of the children. The entire period of puberty from the beginning of the hormonal changes to the complete completion of all changes can take more than ten years, but this is not perceived as such by the adolescent and the parents. Most assessments also refer to the peak phase of puberty, as many conflicts are fought out in the family during this time and the phase is perceived as strenuous by all those involved. Puberty does not start spontaneously, but is a slow development, which makes it difficult to determine an exact time as a start. In the same way, the end of puberty cannot be fixed to a day.