The physical milestones of puberty are wide-ranging-and widely variable in terms of when they occur. You can add a year to either end of the ranges below and still be within the normal band.

Girls

• Body Odor: Starts anywhere from age eight through ten.
• Breasts: Buds appear from about age nine through 12; breasts mature an average of four to five years later.
• Pubic Hair: Sparse hair appears from age eight through 12; the typical female “triangle” is visible a year or two later.
• First Period: Occurs, on average, at 12.5 years, though anywhere from age ten through 15 is normal.
• Acne: Zits pop up beginning around age 11.
• Height: Girls gain three to four inches starting sround 11 or 12.

Boys

• Body Odor: Kicks in around age eight or nine.
• Testicle Enlargement: Starts between nine and ten, followed a year or two later by penis development.
• Pubic Hair: Light, downy hair appears around age 11; more abundant curly hair grows in about 2 to 3 later.
• Acne: By age 11, it’s a common complaint.
• Ejaculation / Wet Dreams: These begin around age 12 to 14, Semen isn’t thought fertile until a year or so later.
• Changing Voice: The warbles start between 13 and 15.
• Height: Boys begin to spurt on average at age 14, and gain four to five inches over a year or two.