An important part of adolescent development that causes dramatic physical changes is puberty. It's essentially a process in the brain that results in the physical changes we all imagine when we think of puberty, like armpit hair and growth spurts. To understand the initial process of puberty, you need to know that it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) which then leads to everything that happens with it. The hypothalamus controls eating, drinking and sex while the pituitary gland primarily oversees growth. Then come the gonads which are the testes in males. Testosterone, the male growth hormone, comes from the gonads. With the secretion of testosterone occurs the development of the genitals, increase in height, change in voice and the onset of desire for sexual activity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The initial onset of puberty occurs with adrenarche, which typically occurs around age 10 for boys (sometimes earlier). The remainder of puberty is known as gonadarche, and this is what most people typically imagine when they think of puberty. It involves the development and maturation of the testicles and the appearance of pubic hair, breast and genital development. In the middle of the gonadarche another process called spermarcha occurs. This is the first ejaculation that a boy experiences and it occurs during masturbation or an erotic dream. As mentioned before, all physical changes occur during gonadarche. Steinberg describes the order of pubertal characteristics as follows: increase in size of the penis and testicles, appearance of straight pubic hair, slight change in voice, first ejaculation (spermarch), appearance of kinky pubic hair, onset of maximum growth, growth of armpit hair, other detectable voice change, and facial hair growth. The peak age for pubertal changes is approximately 13 and a half years. During this time is when kids gain the most weight, which averages about 20 pounds in their peak year. The average age for growth spurts, which are typically around 4 inches, is 11 years. While these ages represent the average, it's important to know that premature puberty can also occur. This is known as precocious puberty. It occurs abnormally, early and very rapidly. Precocious puberty in boys occurs before the age of 9. Something that is not a physical change, but certainly something to be prepared for as a parent, is the insecurity and negative body image your child may begin to experience during puberty. Some guys are proud of their changing bodies despite the confusion, while others don't always feel so happy. These feelings are a natural part of puberty and simply something parents should have in mind as these changes begin to occur. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get Custom Essay The most important thing to know about puberty is that for the most part, everything is normal. Sometimes you and your child will both be confused, but it's important to reassure them that it's simply a part of life. When you are educated on the topic, you will be able to better educate him too. So, enjoy adolescence and enjoy your teenager - this time will turn him into the man he should be.