A tween who is experiencing delayed puberty may feel like something is wrong with them. Even worse, a classmate who makes a negative comment could cause additional stress and concern. If your tween is going through puberty later than their peers, or if their physical development is slow to start, the most important thing you can do is be supportive.
What Is Delayed Puberty?
Delayed puberty is when people pass through the typical “puberty years” without showing any signs of bodily changes. It is puberty that occurs later in a child’s development than what is defined as “normal.” Puberty doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a years-long process. For girls, puberty typically begins between ages 8 and 13. For boys, it starts between 9 and 15. It’s a wide age range for a reason: people develop at different rates. It’s not uncommon for girls and boys to develop as late as 13, 14 or 15. But if your child hasn’t yet shown the signs of puberty by age 14 for girls or 15 for boys, delayed puberty could be to blame. Keep in mind that delayed puberty is nothing to be overly concerned about. Everyone develops differently. Delayed puberty also tends to run in families. If you or other members of your family developed later, chances are your tween will, too. This is known as a constitutional delay, or being a “late bloomer.” Still, it’s important to recognize that delayed puberty can be caused by a variety of physical conditions:
Malnutrition: If your child is not getting proper nutrients, their body may not be equipped for puberty.Hormonal issues: Conditions that affect the pituitary and thyroid glands prevent these glands from producing the hormones necessary for development.Chronic conditions: Illnesses such as diabetes, cystic fibrosis, and kidney disease make it harder for the body to develop.
How Parents Can Help
Patience is a virtue, and in cases of delayed puberty, it is exactly what you and your tween need. If your son or daughter is stressing about puberty, reassure them that everyone develops on their own time and that their body will change when it’s ready. Certain things are hallmarks of growing up: using deodorant, shaving your legs, going shopping for your first bra, etc. These are things tweens look forward to doing. Allow your child to do these things, even if they don’t necessarily need to. Allowing them to engage in normal tween behaviors will help them feel like they fit in and be prepared when puberty comes. More importantly, remind your tween that puberty — and the frustrations of delayed puberty — is just a phase. Like all phases, this will eventually pass, and when it does your teen will forget all about their present concerns and anxieties.
