Puberty, Adolescence in Boys & Girls – JSS1 Home Economics Lesson Note (Third Term)

Puberty is the stage of life when a boy or girl’s body starts to become sexually mature.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of puberty and adolescence;
2. state the signs of puberty in boys and in girls;
3. describe an adolescent;
4. mention the needs and challenges of adolescence;
5. say how parents can support adolescents.

What is puberty?

Puberty is the short period that marks the beginning of sexual maturation.

• Boys: they generally reach puberty at about 14 years of age.
• Girls: they generally reach it at about 12 years of age.
• Individual differences: these ages are not the same for everybody, so some people start earlier or later.
• Cause: the body begins to produce hormones that bring about the changes.

What are the signs of puberty in boys?

The main signs of puberty in boys are body hair, a deeper voice, facial hair, muscle growth and the development of sex organs.

1. Body hair: hair begins to grow on parts of the body such as the armpit and the pubic region.
2. Facial hair: a beard grows around the jaw and a moustache above the upper lip.
3. Voice: the voice breaks and becomes deeper.
4. Body appearance: muscles develop and the body changes shape. The boy may need larger, new clothes.
5. Sex organs: the sex organs develop. The testicles (sex glands) begin to produce sperm.

What are the signs of puberty in girls?

The main signs of puberty in girls are breast development, body changes, body hair, menstruation and skin changes.

1. Breasts: the breasts develop.
2. Body shape: the body changes, for example the hips become wider.
3. Body hair: hair grows on the armpits and the pubic region.
4. Menstruation: the monthly flow of blood from the womb begins.
5. Skin: there may be skin changes and problems such as pimples.

How do the changes in boys and girls compare?

Boys and girls share some changes, but others are different.

What is adolescence?

Adolescence is the period of life between the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood.

• Growth: the person matures and moves from childhood towards adulthood.
• Preparation: it is the time when a person prepares to be an adult.
• Link to puberty: puberty happens at the start of adolescence.

Who is an adolescent?

An adolescent is a boy or girl who is passing through the period of adolescence.

• Not a child: an adolescent wants to be treated with more respect.
• Not yet an adult: an adolescent still needs guidance from parents and teachers.

What is the difference between puberty and adolescence?

Puberty is the start of sexual maturation, while adolescence is the whole period of growing from child to adult.

What are the special needs and challenges of adolescents?

The challenges of adolescents are the problems they often meet because they are neither children nor adults.

1. Adjustment: they find it hard to adjust to physical changes. Girls cope with breast growth and menstruation. Boys cope with a changed voice and growth of the sex organs. They may feel uncomfortable, clumsy and anxious.
2. Status: they want to behave like adults, yet they are not fully adults. Boys may try to smoke and girls may try putting on make-up.
3. Independence: they want to do things their own way. They dislike being directed by parents or other adults, which often causes problems.
4. Need for achievement: they want to excel. When they fail, they become unhappy.
5. Peer pressure: they want to go along with their friends. Peers may have a bad influence on dressing, feelings and how sexuality is expressed.
6. Physical needs: these come from the body changes and include:
   • Balanced diet: proper food is needed for healthy development.
   • Clothes: new clothes replace the ones they have outgrown.
   • Brassiere: girls need one as their breasts develop.
7. Need for parental understanding and support: adolescents need their parents to help them through this period.

How can parents support adolescents?

Parents support adolescents by understanding them, being patient and talking with them openly.

• Understanding: know what their adolescent children are going through.
• Tolerance: be patient when the adolescent is moody or wants independence.
• Communication: talk freely, give advice and encourage the child.
• Provision: supply balanced meals, suitable clothes and other physical needs.

How should adolescents care for their bodies?

Adolescents care for their bodies by keeping clean, eating well and resting enough.

• Bathing: bathe at least once daily, especially to remove sweat from the armpits.
• Clean clothes: change underwear and wash clothes regularly.
• Menstrual care: girls should use clean sanitary pads and change them often.
• Skin care: wash the face gently to help with pimples.
• Good friends: choose friends who give good advice and avoid bad peer pressure.

Evaluation

1. What is puberty?
2. Define adolescence and say who an adolescent is.
3. State five signs of puberty in boys and girls.
4. Mention four needs and challenges of adolescence.
5. List three ways parents can support adolescents.

Assignment

List four signs of puberty in girls and explain two challenges of adolescence.