Puberty is usually defined as the time when the onset of sexual maturity occurs

and the reproductive organs become functional.

A year or two before reaching puberty, the child will change physically and
emotionally. Their growth increases suddenly, before slowing and finally stopping
around the age of 18. The accelerated growth that girls experience in puberty
happens at an earlier age than for boys. At puberty, our attitudes towards our
parents is likely to change. Often, we think our parents are hopeless, annoying
and old-fashioned. In return, parents may find us cheeky and sullen. Obviously, it
can be a time of conflict. During puberty, this development continues and the
confrontations between teenagers and parents may continue. It is perfectly natural
and inevitable that tensions and controversies between parents and teenagers
arise. In fact, it may be more alarming to the parents if there are no conflicts at all,
as it may be a sign that we are hiding our problems. If teenagers continue to
suppress emotional problems, they may eventually have problems establishing a
normal relationship with other people. At puberty, we are uncomfortable with our
image. We may not like the way we look. We feel clumsy, shy and insecure. For
us, boys, our voice breaks and acne and pimples makes the situation even
worse.Puberty is a time of contrast as the child shifts between feelings of being a
child and becoming an adult.
Puberty is a time of life when the child begins to feel liberated.

Puberty

While some boys and girls begin the physical changes of puberty as early as 4th or 5th
grade, some normal teens may not have some of the physical changes until they are 15
or 16, and they may not have advanced through total development until their late teens.
On average, the process goes on for 4-5 years. Girls tend to reach puberty about a year
before boys. Because of this wide range of ages for starting puberty, parents need to
remind children that it is "normal" - and they are normal - whether they start puberty
early or late. Growth at this stage is so fast, and the body does not always grow at an
even rate. Besides the changes in our bodies, we show a need for greater independence.
In childhood, the parent was the center of their world. In our teens, we see a larger
world. We rely more on ourselves - and focus on what our peers say. This move away
from parents and toward friends and self is neither smooth nor easy. Parents are often
confused: one day we insist that we can make our own decisions and the next day.
These shifts can confuse both the parent and the teens. But it is a reality in the lives of
pre-teens and teens.