Puberty vs Adolescence

What's Happening to Your Teen?

Your child will be going through many changes during puberty that could last anywhere from one to six years. These changes are outlined in detail in the sections below. All of these changes are caused and controlled by chemicals called hormones, and different hormones are responsible for different changes.

And remember...you don't have to be an expert on all of these changes, but being knowledgeable could help strengthen your relationship. It will give you some valuable insight into the way your teen thinks and behaves, and prepare you for the changes to come.

Last Modified: September 5, 2006