Parents are excited to recognize signs of transitional age in their younger daughter. At the end of his childhood teenager waits a lot of problems that are not easy to cope without prior training. Given the increased emotionality, close attention should be paid to the girl at the stage of her transformation into a girl. Mom, dad, grandmothers, and grandfathers should become a little psychologist at this time.
To understand when the transitional age begins and how it manifests itself, carefully observe the physiological signs and psychological symptoms. Confusion and misunderstanding cause teenage depression, unmotivated aggression. Psychology considers growing up the most dramatic period in the development of a personality.
What will be parents on a shaky transitional age bridge between childhood and adolescence: a reliable guide or stumbling block? Let’s talk about what to undertake and how to survive through difficult times without losing trusting relationships with our daughter.
Chronicle of growing up: girl, girl, woman
The questions: “How many years does the transitional age of girls begin and when does it end?” There is no definite answer. Each child is unique both physically and mentally. In some, the dangerous lifetime goes smoothly and unnoticed, in others it is accompanied by emotionally colored symptoms.
In physiology, much depends on heredity, national characteristics, and social conditions. Therefore, mothers need to try to remember their own transition experience. It is useful to talk with older relatives to try to draw possible parallels.
Given the age values are averaged, but, nevertheless, serve as a recognized guideline. Experts identify several transitional stages in girls: 1 year, 7, 12, 14 and 16 years. Their essence is that the old physiological form and the system of life values are becoming obsolete. The child changes not only in appearance. Drastic changes occur in his internal space, a motivation of behavior, relationships with adults and peers.
The most dangerous transformations directly caused by puberty. For most girls, it lasts from 11 to 16 years. Let us consider in more detail what processes take place in a growing organism.
11-12 years old
The prelude of transitional age is associated with the activation of the endocrine system. From 10-11 years, the “factory” for the production of hormones is launched. Slowly but surely, the Ugly Duckling turns into the beautiful Swan Princess. Angular girl becomes an elegant attractive young lady.
The main organs that release hormones are the thyroid, pituitary, and ovaries. Under the influence of the female hormone estrogen, breasts develop, pubic and armpit hairs appear. Hormonal restructuring is fraught with unpleasant symptoms for the girl. Among them:
- acne caused by activation of the sebaceous glands;
- excessive sweating;
- Excessive oily hair.
What to do?
Immutable rule – personal hygiene with the use of cosmetics for adolescents. Teach a girl to take a shower every day, change clothes, use deodorant. In the presence of acne, select a problem skin care: washing gel, cleansing tonic, anti-acne cream.
Take care of the child’s diet. To quickly get rid of acne, it is necessary to temporarily limit animal fats, sweets, baking, fast food. For the formation of strong bone tissue, normalization of the condition of the skin and hair, it is necessary to use products containing calcium and special vitamin supplements.
12-14 years old
The central feature of this age is the arrival of menstruation (menarche). In early-maturing girls, menstruation begins even earlier, from 9-10 years old. Sensitive persons are emotionally experiencing a crucial stage in the development of a woman, experiencing anxiety and depression. The task of the mother is to carefully and carefully explain that there is no reason to worry.
Talk to the girl about how long the normal monthly cycle lasts and how it goes. At this time, worsening of overall health, the occurrence of painful symptoms in the lower abdomen, psychological discomfort are possible. Tell us about the precautions for critical days. Doctors do not recommend during this period to engage in active physical exercise, swim in water, super cool.
With the onset of menstruation, the reproductive system matures, but the regularity of the cycle is established gradually. During the year, periods can pass without ovulation: the body is only preparing for motherhood. If in physiological terms, the girl is ready to become a mother, then the psychological awareness and acceptance of this fact come much later.
What to do?
Painful menstruation, scanty or too strong discharge – symptoms for referring to a pediatric gynecologist. If menstruation does not start for a long time, remember when the girl has secondary sexual characteristics. It is considered normal if no more than two years have passed since that moment.
Otherwise, it is worth consulting a gynecologist-endocrinologist. The doctor will help identify the root cause of the delay and prescribe treatment. Doctors identify several possible causes of the lag of female sexual development:
- Stress factors;
- Hormonal disbalance;
- Weight loss;
- Genetic diseases.
14-16 years old
In girls, a rapid growth spurt is observed, which can reach 10–12 cm in a year. Its disproportionality is considered a sign of pubertal growth: individual parts of the body increase in size faster than others.
Rapidly grow limbs and facial bones of the skull. The internal organs and muscle tissue “do not have time” for the skeleton, and fatty tissue is redistributed unevenly. Because of the disproportionality of the body looks angular, movements become clumsy.
Young girls evaluate their appearance primarily in terms of attractiveness for the opposite sex. A painful attitude to body proportions, in particular, breast size is typical for them.
Many tend to force the situation and complexes even for a minor reason. Alert parents should cause a baseless desire to lose weight, which can turn into anorexia nervosa. Reassure the daughter that you should not worry about the figure. Subcutaneous fat will soon turn into muscle tissue and the body will acquire a pleasant roundness.
Try to convince the girl that a stunning figure is achieved not by reducing the amount of food, but by increasing physical activity. The best option is to buy a subscription to the gym, swimming pool, dance school.
In transitional age, pediatricians note some specific symptoms that doctors call functional impairment. Among the age manifestations:
- vascular dystonia;
- increased heart rate;
- pressure surges;
- increased fatigue.
How to behave parents?
If a girl complains about the deterioration of health, you need to streamline the schedule of study. Be sure to take time in it to pause between classes and good rest. Keep her sleeping for at least 8-9 hours and stay in the open air more. If the unpleasant symptoms persist, it would be useful to see a doctor to find out the cause and correct the deviations correctly.
16-18 years old
Restless time of change ends. Hormonal storms subside, growth slows down, and the body acquires smooth feminine outlines. A happy childhood gives way to a no less beautiful sometimes youth. But it is too early for parents to translate the spirit and consider their mission complete.
It is at the start of adult life that girls need empathetic guidance and moral support. Try to remain for her not only a loving mom but also an understanding friend. If the daughter will feel your interest, she will always ask for help at the right time. By giving wise advice, you can save her from many ill-considered steps characteristic of windy youth.
Psychological features of girls in the transitional age
A girl growing up is not easy. Parents face irritability, mood swings, criticism and ambiguous demonstrations of independence. You have already understood that the younger generation has plenty of physiological signs for mental disharmony. Characteristic dominant teen adolescent worldview – youthful maximalism and excessive vulnerability.
High expectations are placed on everything that comes into view: one’s own appearance, clothing, close circle, and social problems. Young maximalists sincerely believe that others view them under a microscope, so each acne is perceived as a tragedy of a cosmic scale.
Clothing seems to be not fashionable enough for them; the hairstyle is not absolutely perfect. If the first love did not lead to reciprocity, it leads to the search for imaginary flaws. Increased rivalry with peers, often leading to serious conflicts.
Signs of striving for outward perfection
- dreams of plastic surgery;
- imitation of pop idols;
- experiments with hair, makeup, and jewelry;
- the erection of a cult brand clothes.
Be sensitive to your daughter’s design experiments with your own image. In no case do not criticize him, of course, if it does not reach the extreme symptoms in the form of aggressive tattoos and body piercing. Sooner or later, the girl will find her own style and stop shocking you with creative finds.
Despite the generally accepted idea of children’s dependence on advertising and the mass media, the authority of a loved one is incomparably higher for them. If your beloved father says to his daughter: “How you look great!”, She is unlikely to run to buy fat burning pills. If the relatives tease the girl with a “bun” or “donut”, then a 100% guarantee of the inferiority complex is provided.
Adolescents choose in their surroundings an authoritative person whose opinion is valued more than others. They can be a school or mother’s friend, teacher, elder sister. Studies have shown that until how many years the transitional age would not have lasted, those adolescents whose parents show unobtrusive care and sincere sympathy more easily endure it.
