the penis and testicles grow and the scrotum gradually becomes darker (read more about penis health) pubic hair becomes thicker and curlier. underarm hair starts to grow. boys start to sweat more.

Puberty is the time in life when your child’s body becomes sexually mature. Your child will experience many changes in his or her body during this time. For girls, puberty usually starts around age 11. But it can start as early as age 6 or 7.

According to the National Institutes of Health, puberty usually begins in girls between 8 and 13 years of age, and in boys between 9 and 14 years of age. Puberty is considered to be early in boys before age 8 and girls before 9 years old. This is sometimes called “precocious puberty.”

Adrenarche is usually normal in girls who are at least 8 years old, and boys who are at least 9 years old. Even when pubic and underarm hair appear in children younger than this, it is still usually nothing to worry about, but your child does need to see their pediatrician for an exam.

The vagina is designed to be moist, so discharge at every age is normal. Typically you will see only small amounts in infants and young children, and it is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow and odorless. Persistent vaginal discharge in children can be a sign of infection.

If a girl has an infection like bacterial vaginosis, she may notice a fishy smell. But even then, it’s unlikely that people around her will notice it. Girls who notice an unusual smell should see a doctor just in case they have an infection.

There’s no definitive explanation for why it’s hard to smell your own breath. This phenomenon may, however, be based upon your sensory nervous system’s ability to adjust to the ever-changing stimuli around you. This is known as sensory adaptation.