Your Body

Growing Up & Puberty

There are a lot of changes as you are growing up and getting older. When you start to become a teenager, your body and mind will start to change and it can be a really scary process, but it can also be exciting.

You might grow out of your clothes and shoes really quickly, start eating more, having pains in strange places, and find your mood change. You’ll probably also find yourself thinking about things that you never have before. Everyone goes through this and it’s completely normal to be feeling funny about what’s going on.

Puberty is a time when your body goes through a lot of changes. It can help to keep in mind that everyone is different - it can happen at different times and at different rates. You might feel like all your classmates are getting taller more quickly than you or you might be the first person to get your period in your group of friends. This can be really exciting but it can also be really worrying if you haven’t had chance to talk about it with anyone.

If you’re upset or worried about something going on with your body or your mind, you have the right to support and to talk about what’s bothering you. Some teenagers prefer to talk to one of their parents about it and they find it easier after they’ve talked because they know their parents went through it as well and find their parents a good support.

Other people find it easier to talk to a teacher or a nurse in school who can give them some information. And some people prefer to find a book themselves or ask a doctor for more information. When you’re going through all these changes it can help to talk to someone, and it’s important that you have someone you trust that will listen and help answer your questions.

We know here in Childline that everyone is different and that you may not feel like you can find the information you need or talk with someone you know. You can always ring us in Childline or post a message on the website.

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