Mental Care Zone

Child and adolescent developments brings in lot of physical and mental changes moving the individual from childhood into physical and mental maturity. Changes occur in appearance of sexual characteristics and behavior patterns.

Child and adolescent physical developments are different for girls and boys. Girls may begin to develop breast buds, pubic hair growth as well as armpit and leg hair. The beginning of menstrual periods also takes place at this stage. Boys may begin to note scrotal and testicular enlargement, pubic hair growth as well as armpit, leg, chest, and facial hair. Child and adolescent physical changes may not occur in a smooth, regular schedule. A child and adolescent may go through stages of awkwardness in terms of appearance.

While parenting child and adolescents it should be understood that they usually require privacy to understand and reflect to changes taking place within their own bodies. Parents need to be cautious that adolescent is not teased about physical changes, because it may cause self-consciousness and embarrassment. Parents also need to remember that the child and adolescent interest in body changes and sexual topics is natural and must take care not to label emerging instinct

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