Prepubertal Period

The prepubertal period is the period in a person’s life that precedes the onset of puberty. It is characterized by changes in physical and emotional development that prepare the child for the transition to puberty.

During the prepubertal period, a number of important changes occur in the child's body. First of all, this is due to the development of the reproductive system. In boys, the testicles begin to grow, and in girls, the uterus and vagina begin to grow. In addition, during this period there is an increase in breast size and maturation.

In addition, the prepubertal period is characterized by changes in the emotional state of the child. He becomes more sensitive to social situations, begins to show interest in the opposite sex and experiences his first romantic feelings.

However, despite all these changes, the prepubertal period is also characterized by instability of the child’s emotional state and behavior. He can be aggressive, moody and disobedient, which can cause problems in communicating with others.

It is important to understand that the prepubertal period is a very important stage in the development of a child. It prepares him for the transition to the next stage of life - puberty, which is characterized by more complex changes in the body and behavior. Therefore, parents and teachers should pay special attention to this period and help the child adapt to new living conditions.

The prepubertal period (lat. praepubertas (praepuber.talis) presupposed; pube male genital organ, pubes pubēs lat.; in English-speaking countries - pubescence, from lat. pube / pubis) - the period preceding the onset of puberty, approximately coinciding with puberty. For boys, 3-6 years before the appearance of pubic hair, with the beginning of hair growth in other areas of the body. With some deviations, the onset can last up to 7-9 years. Girls, as a rule, begin to show sexual characteristics much earlier. However, they also go through a prepubertal state. In girls, the formation of a figure begins much earlier than the growth of hair in the pubic area. At that time, children develop structural features of muscles and skeleton. At the same time, boys undergo rapid maturation in terms of external signs, while in girls the development of internal organs predominates, and visible changes are relatively less in nature. The period also depends on climatic conditions and genetic predisposition. Sometimes, due to external circumstances, this process can be delayed, but there are cases of premature development of the mammary glands (3-4 years).