Puberty--the biological transition to adult reproductive appearance and function--takes place through a defined process of steps. Doctors measure the stage of puberty using a standard called the Tanner stages.

Puberty is a sequential series of physical changes that lead to sexual maturity. These changes are described by Tanner stages, named after British pediatrician Dr. James Tanner. The stages are based on the development of secondary sex characteristics.

Your sweet, good-natured child can turn into a completely different person when going through puberty. During this stage, adolescents experience many physical and psychological changes that can result in confusion, anger and rebellion.

Expanding grocery lists and empty refrigerators are often the first indicators to parents that their sons have started the rapid growth associated with adolescence. Once puberty begins, a boy may continue to grow for another five to six years before reaching his adult size.

Puberty marks the entry of a child into adolescence and sexual maturity. During puberty, your body goes through many changes that affect the way you look, feel and behave. Eating a healthy diet affects the age at which you reach puberty as well as your growth during puberty.

Due to increasing amounts of sex hormones during and after puberty, boys and girls grow considerably during their teenage years, according to the website Kids Health. While girls tend to begin these growth spurts earlier, boys tend to grow taller and over a longer period of time.

Gaining weight is a normal aspect of your life, regardless of gender. However, understanding the average or “normal” weight gain measurements for your body can be helpful in tracking your health as you age.

Rapid weight gain is normal in girls during puberty, according to the KidsHealth.org website. Puberty typically begins between ages eight and 13, and lasts about two to four years. During this time, the amount of fat, muscle and bone changes quickly as girls make the transition into womanhood.

Youth sports can have many benefits for young people. Some include learning the sport they play, understanding what it takes to compete and the enjoyment of being part of a team. Playing sports also teaches youngsters about responsibility and being part of a team -- the importance of teamwork.

Adolescence is a time of rapid -- and often awkward and uncomfortable -- physical development. While many teens worry about gaining too much weight, a study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association in 2001 estimated that 17 percent to 37 percent of teenage males would like to bulk up.

Between homework and hormones, it’s no wonder that teenagers get a headache every now and then. Frequency of headaches increases as children grow, according to American Family Physician. Thirty-seven percent to 51 percent of children who are at least 7 years old report "frequent"

Puberty is the time during which adolescents develop sexual maturity. It can be confusing and awkward time for your child. The age at which puberty starts differs from person to person, with puberty typically affecting girls sooner, at around age 11.