The Hormone Rollercoaster: Understanding your Child's journey from Year 6 to Year 7



When your sweet Year 6 child suddenly becomes moody, emotional, or starts asking awkward questions, you might be witnessing the beginning of one of life's most significant transformations. Welcome to the world of hormones and the transition to adolescence. Sometimes it can really take us by surprise.

What you might notice:

- New hair growth in unexpected places

- Mood swings that seem to come from nowhere

- Increased sensitivity or emotional reactions

As your child transitions from Year 6 to Year 7, their brain becomes like a busy control centre, sending chemical messages throughout their body. Here's the fascinating science behind it:

The Main Players:

- Testosterone (in boys): Responsible for voice changes, muscle development, and growth spurts

- Estrogen (in girls): Triggers breast development and prepares the body for future reproductive health

- Growth Hormone: Causes those sudden height increases and appetite changes

- Stress Hormones: Can make emotions feel more intense than before

 The Physical Transformation Timeline (remember every child is unique and all go through this at different ages and in different ways)

Year 6 (Ages 10-11):

- Early adrenarche may begin

- Subtle mood changes

- Possible growth spurts starting

- Increased appetite

Year 7 (Ages 11-12):

- More noticeable physical changes

- Voice changes may begin (especially in boys)

- Skin changes (hello, first spots!)

- Sleep patterns shifting

Ever wondered why your previously calm child suddenly has big feelings about everything? It's not just "being dramatic" - their brain is literally rewiring itself!

During this transition:

- The emotional part of the brain develops faster than the logical reasoning part

- Hormones can amplify feelings, making small problems feel huge (this can feel really unsettling for children and parents).

- Social awareness increases dramatically (social media is of course an added pressure to this).

- Independence becomes more important - this can feel really hard for us parents.

Real Talk for Parents:

Your child isn't being difficult on purpose. Their brain is working overtime to process new emotions, social dynamics, and physical changes - it is all part of the journey. Talking to others is so important.

At Cambridge Online Tuition we are here to be part of your journey and it all starts with self care. Our students and parents have full access to the Wellbeing hub to listen to mindfulness meditations just to help balance and ground us. Just a small amount of time each day can really help.

It is always important to reach out.

Love all of us at Cambridge Online Tuition.

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