Definition
Puberty (from Latin Pubertas = sexual maturity) describes a developmental process in late childhood and early adolescence, the so-called adolescence. In the course of puberty, complete sexual maturity occurs. Puberty is characterized by numerous drastic physical and psychological changes. The course of puberty can roughly be divided into 3 phases or stages.
The three phases
Puberty is a development process that lasts for years. It can be roughly divided into three phases. The prepubertal phase, the peak phase of puberty and the late pubertal phase. It varies from child to child when it goes through these phases. In general, boys reach puberty later than girls.
Prepubescence
The prepubertal phase is the first of three phases in the development cycle from child to adult. On average, children enter the first phase of puberty between the ages of 11 and 14. In most cases, the first prepubescent symptoms occur towards the end of primary school.
However, it is not the case that puberty or prepubescence sets in at once. It is a slow, creeping process. Signs of prepubescence are that the children begin to question rules set by their parents.
They want to start making their own decisions. Nevertheless, the parents remain important contact persons during this time. Despite the fact that the children enjoy family closeness and security, there is an increased withdrawal during this phase.
The children begin to want to be more and more for themselves and retreat into their room more often. In this phase, it is still possible for the parents to maintain the close parent-child relationship and perhaps even expand it once again. The prepubertal phase usually lasts one to two years.
Already in pre-adolescence, boys and girls differ from each other. Boys stand out above all because they are full of energy, can hardly sit still and are bursting with zest for action. They measure themselves against their peers and are adventurous.
Girls also show prepubescence with an increased urge to move and restlessness. In this phase, the typical silly giggles and whispers of girls often begin. They spend a lot of time with their friends. In girls, mood swings and moodiness can also occur. The prepubertal phase ends with the first menstruation in girls or the first ejaculation in boys.
