The Journey to Becoming Little Women

The day I discovered my first pimple changed my whole life. It was as if the heavens had fallen on my head. It was such a shock and so embarrassing. I didn’t feel like meeting friends or going to school. Initially, I wanted to hide forever. However, I soon grew to love my beauty spot and felt like showing it off! After all it was a sign that I was growing up!"

Yes, pimples and periods are the two common signs of puberty in girls. A time of change and upheaval, of excitement and anxiety, puberty is a big milestone in any girls’ life. You are bound to experience fluctuations in your emotional and physical make up, so it is time you learnt what you are going to face and when!
THE FIRST STAGE 8-11years

If you are a girl between 8 to 11 years, then this is your story. Though there are no external signs but internally a whole lot of change and development is taking place. Your ovaries are enlarging and hormone production is beginning. This is sometimes reflected in a change of attitude towards life. You start looking at things from a new perspective and you want to act mature. You are no longer a kid and not yet an adult - so there is bound to be chaos and confusion in your life. However you must keep your cool and give yourself time to grow up!
THE SECOND STAGE 11- 13 years

This stage is marked by a rapid physical development. You grow in both height and weight, your breasts will start developing, the hips get rounder and waist narrower. In short, you are going to acquire those womanly curves. There is going to be an increase in body hair as well as body odour. No wonder all the deodorant companies are eyeing you as big potentials! This is also the time you might start off with your periods or your menstruation. Dealing with the physical discomfort can be quite distressing initially, however you will soon accept this as a part of life. Hormonal changes also bring with them mood swings and emotional turmoil. You will find your parents nosy and interfering and confide in friends. Issues such as independence, love, career, movies and sex are the new hot topics. You are now ready to jump to the next phase.
THE THIRD STAGE 13-16 years

This stage marks rapid development both physically as well as mentally. You will soon switch from reading about the world of Enid Blytons and Harry Potters to the mushy romance of Mills & Boon to the more serious Danielle Steel and Jeffrey Archer. The emotional roller coaster is pretty much the same, however you will soon start feeling more in control of yourself. You might become short-tempered and highly-strung over sensitive issues and even take casual comments to heart. Remember that it is very easy at this stage to give in to temptations, however learn to say No and think before you leap.
THE FINAL SHOT 16 years and above

Congratulations! You have now completely attained puberty and are an adult. This is the beginning of a new phase in your life so march ahead with full steam and vigour.