Growing up is full of exciting changes, but it’s also easy to feel worried when your body isn’t changing the same way—or at the same time—as your friends. Maybe they’re already taller, have started wearing bras, or are talking about things you haven’t experienced yet. And that’s okay. Here’s the truth: your body is amazing, and it will grow and develop at the pace that’s right for you.

Everyone’s Timeline Is Different

Bodies don’t work on a set schedule. Some people might start noticing changes as early as 8 or 9 years old, while others might not experience them until their teen years. This range is completely normal, according to pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson, author of The Care & Keeping of You. She explains that factors like genetics, nutrition, and even sleep can influence when your body starts to change—but none of these factors make your development better or worse than anyone else’s

Puberty Isn’t a Race

It might feel like everyone around you is hitting milestones faster, but it’s important to remember that puberty isn’t a competition. Your body knows what it’s doing, and there’s no “right” time to start growing or changing. Whether you’re the first in your class to hit a growth spurt or the last, your body’s timeline is exactly as it should be.

Dr. Kathryn Lowe, a pediatrician, explains that puberty can be frustrating when you compare yourself to friends, but focusing on what makes you unique can help shift your perspective. Everyone has their own strengths, and physical changes are just one small part of what makes you amazing

What’s Happening Inside

Even if you don’t see big changes on the outside yet, your body is working hard behind the scenes. Hormones, like estrogen and testosterone, are kicking off all sorts of changes, from how your brain processes emotions to how your body will grow in the months or years ahead. Trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it’s supposed to.

Celebrate What Makes You You

It can be easy to feel left out or frustrated when your body doesn’t match your friends’, but focusing on what you love about yourself can make a big difference. Are you funny? Kind? Great at solving puzzles? These are the things that make you you, and they’re so much more important than whether you’re the tallest or shortest in the room.

You can also celebrate the things your body does every day: running, laughing, hugging, or just getting you through your daily routine. Your body is working hard for you, and it deserves kindness, no matter what stage it’s in.

Talk It Out

If you’re feeling unsure or have questions about your body, don’t be afraid to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent, teacher, or doctor. They’ve been through this before and can give you advice or just reassure you that everything you’re feeling is normal. Books like The Care & Keeping of You can also be a great resource for understanding what’s happening to your body and what to expect next

The Bottom Line

Everyone’s journey through growing up is different, and that’s what makes each person special. Your body is on its own timeline, and it’s doing exactly what it needs to. So, next time you start comparing yourself to someone else, remember this: there’s no one else in the world quite like you, and that’s pretty amazing.

Keep being patient and kind to yourself—you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.