Physical Development and Growth During Puberty

At 17, children are about to start the last stage of their adolescence, that phase between childhood and adulthood. 17 is about the age, children usually leave the secure confines of their schools to enter into the competitive world of colleges and universities. As parents, raising a 17-year-old can be a little scary. Have you taught your teen everything she needs to know to become a responsible adult? It's important to evaluate their development and assist them in entering the real world.

Here are the physical changes you can expect as your teen crosses the final threshold into manhood/womanhood. 

Boys

• Are fully developed by age 17 years. They do continue to develop muscles and grow taller till their early 20s.

• They have completed puberty. 

• They grow facial and underarm hair. 

• Their voice continues to become deeper. 

• Body image issues could be common at this age as they find the bodily changes not so nice. 

• Acne is quite common. 

• They have already sprouted hair on their face. 

Girls

• Girls are fully developed by their 17th birthdays. They will know their body better. 

• They have got their periods by now and completed puberty

• They have reached their full height.

• They may also grow underarm hair.

• Body image issues are common at this age as some teens aren’t pleased with the physical changes they’ve endured. 

• Acne is quite common

While many 17-year-olds are looking forward to a bright future beyond high school, others are terrified about entering the adult world.

Their growing independence may mean they can resist peer pressure better than before. They will want to spend more time with friends than with family. They will still need you to set limits. Explaining the reasons behind the limits is likely to get them to adhere to it more than forcing it down them. 

Discussing the importance of good health over appearance will help them with body image issues.

Stay Tuned! Stay Relevant!