It seems to most parents and adolescents that puberty is mostly about changes in the reproductive structures. That is true, but it is actually the brain that is orchestrating the maturing process. At the beginning of puberty, the brain sends hormone messages to the ovaries…
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What Does The Brain Have To Do With Puberty?
November 12, 2019
Written by: Dr. Shelley Metten
A Difference in Height During Puberty Can Affect Adolescent Friendships
November 5, 2019
Written by: Dr. Shelley Metten
Although there are many similarities for girls and boys as they move through puberty, there is one obvious difference that happens as they experience growth spurts. During the early teen days of puberty, boys seem to still be so young and short, while many of…
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What is a Growth Spurt?
October 29, 2019
Written by: Dr. Shelley Metten
Your adolescent has probably heard you talk about growth spurts and it is certainly obvious when it happens, but do they know why they suddenly grow taller? This anatomy figure explains the basic concept of a growth spurt. The blue lines in the bones are…
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What’s the Difference Between Puberty and Adolescence?
October 15, 2019
Written by: Dr. Shelley Metten
The terminology can be confusing when your child is no longer a child. The next stage is called adolescence. It begins at about 10-years-old and lasts into their early 20’s. This is the age when their brain is rapidly developing and you will notice progressive…
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Is It Okay for Parents to Snoop on Their Kids?
October 1, 2019
Written by: Dr. Shelley Metten
Is it okay for parents of adolescents to be “snoopy” about what's going on in their child’s life? My answer is absolutely, yes. During the early adolescent years and into the young teen years, these kids are caught between thinking like a child and being…
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