During the first few years of your child's life, he or she grew and changed extraordinarily fast. Your child will probably go through a similar growth spurt during adolescence. On average, children gain a foot in height and 20 to 30 pounds in weight from the start to finish of adolescence. Since girls generally mature earlier and at a steadier rate than boys, they typically conclude their growth spurt around age 15, just when boys are beginning their growth spurt. Their height may increase by as much as three to five inches in a single year—and they may continue to grow through age 18. The following growth charts from the National Center for Health Statistics provide height and weight averages for teens. Keep in mind, however, that these are simply averages; children grow at different rates and there is a wide range of normal growth. For questions about your child's unique growth, consult his or her doctor.

In addition to changes in size, your child may also experience changes in his or her overall body shape. Girls tend to develop hips and a larger chest during this time; boys gain wider shoulders, develop more muscle and lose fat. Even your child’s head, which stopped growing around age two, will widen and lengthen, due to the thickening of the skull bones. During this period of rapid growth, your usually coordinated child may become more clumsy and awkward. This awkwardness is due, in part, to the fact that different parts of the body grow at different rates. Your child’s legs, for example, will probably finish their growth at an earlier rate than his or her arms, which can make your child look and feel disproportional. At the same time that all of these changes are occurring, your child may also be going through puberty.

Growth Charts for Boys
Percentiles: Two to 20 years

Boys Weight

Boys Height

Growth Charts for Girls
Percentiles: Two to 20 years

Girls Weight

Girls Height

Puberty

The changes that your child experiences during early adolescence are directly related to puberty—the process of biological development that transforms a child into a physically mature adult. The onset of puberty begins when a series of hormones are produced in the body that stimulate growth and release additional hormones that make reproduction possible.

Like many parents, you may think that a child enters puberty more or less when the teen years arrive. But in fact, the changes that mark puberty begin much sooner, sometimes as early as eight years of age. For girls, the arrival of the first period, or the menarche, is the obvious marker of physical maturity of the reproductive organs. This generally occurs from age 10½ to 16, although most girls experience their first period around age 12 or 13. Menarche is generally preceded by a series of other physical changes—referred to as secondary sex characteristics—including the growth of breasts and pubic hair. Altogether, the development of puberty generally occurs over a span of three to five years.

Boys typically enter puberty at a later age than girls. The first sign that puberty has begun is development of the testicles. Next, the voice changes and pubic and facial hair begin to appear. In the early years of adolescence, many boys also experience a slight swelling around their nipples, caused by hormonal changes in the body, which usually disappears within a year. Boys generally complete the physical changes associated with puberty at about age 17.

These are general guidelines only. Each individual grows and develops at his or her own rate. You may find that your son, at age 13, is still short with undeveloped muscles and a high voice, while his best friend of the same age may have developed a larger physique and a deeper (though probably still squeaky) voice. Similarly, though your daughter may reach menarche or develop breasts at a young age, her friends could develop as late as age 16.

Talking to Your Teen About Puberty

Since you cannot predict when puberty will affect your child, you can help prepare him or her by sharing information early, before obvious physical changes begin to occur. If your daughter understands menstruation, she may be less frightened, embarrassed or confused when it arrives. Likewise, if your son is prepared for his voice to change, he may not be as self-conscious about it.

Though your child may act annoyed or indifferent when you discuss the changes that puberty brings, he or she is undoubtedly listening, but may be embarrassed by the subject. Keep talking, even when he or she seems to ignore you. Your child needs the information, and will appreciate having it, in spite of his or her embarrassment.

Once puberty begins, the rapid physical changes that your teen is experiencing may be upsetting even if you have prepared him or her ahead of time. Your teen may feel self-conscious or be sensitive to comments anyone makes about him or her, including you. By providing information and being sensitive to your child's confusion and frustrations, you can help your teen adapt to the changes he or she is experiencing. Consider the following tips for talking to your child about puberty.

Tips for Talking to Your Child About Puberty

Hormonal Changes During Puberty

In addition to the physical changes your child is experiencing during puberty, his or her hormones are surging. Girls’ bodies are making the adjustment to the monthly estrogen/progesterone hormone cycle of menstruation. Just before her period, your daughter may become unusually weepy or irritable.

Boys are also going through hormone shifts, creating greater aggressiveness and boundless energy. You’re apt to find your son running through the house, endlessly bouncing balls and even shoving siblings in good-natured play. Eventually, though, the male hormones—testosterone and androgen—will settle at appropriate levels.

Also in these early teen years, don’t be surprised if a normally outgoing child shows moments of withdrawal and moodiness. Typically between ages 12 and 15, some teens shift moods quickly, from being cooperative and cheerful one moment to stubborn or tearful the next. It’s during these early years of adolescence that your teen is most likely to say, “You don’t understand!” As upsetting as this may be, try not to take it to heart; remember, your child’s hormones are most likely the cause for these emotional outbursts.

Tip—The monthly hormonal cycle of menstruation may cause uncomfortable physical symptoms in girls, including cramping, water retention, headaches and backaches. If your teen is experiencing these symptoms, remind her to drink plenty of water, exercise and maintain a healthy diet that is high in iron and protein. A heating pad or a mild pain reliever may also help alleviate symptoms. If the pain is severe, consult a doctor.

Coping With Your Adolescent’s Mood Swings

As adolescents enter the middle to late teen years, their hormones and the accompanying moodiness generally settle down. In the meantime, keep the following tips in mind:

Excerpted from "A LifeCare® Guide: Parenting Your Teen." Copyright© 2002 LifeCare®, Inc. All rights reserved.

This publication is for general informational purposes only and it is not intended to provide any reader with specific authority, advice or recommendations. Where you deem necessary, we suggest that you seek advice regarding your particular situation from the appropriate professional.

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