Puberty looks different today than it did for us, with kids starting earlier and facing new social and emotional challenges. Open, honest talks can help your child navigate this tricky phase confidently.
Key Concepts:
Discussing puberty with your child may look very different today than it did when youwere getting the birds and the bees talk from your parents some years ago. Researchtells us that conversations with parents about puberty can make an importantdifference in mitigating the risks of social and emotional concerns.
It’s also worth noting that puberty is happening earlier than when we were kids.Though the research isn’t clear on why, some theories involve environmental factorsand increased stress hormone.
Talking to your children using the correct body part terms is more effective than makingup or shying away from using the exact terminology for puberty and its subsequentphraseology.
While puberty can happen over 2-4 years, and at a different timeline for each child,early and late puberty can present new challenges for children.
Social changes that accompany puberty include; increased interest in peers/peerpressure, the development of romantic relationships, experimentation with differentsocial roles, increased self-consciousness, rapid mood changes
What to Do:
Reassure your child that they are normal and demystify the process.
Puberty can be a confusing and embarrassing time for kids. Remind them that everyonegoes through it at their own pace and that there is no one right way to go through puberty.
Be open and honest about puberty.
Start talking to your child about puberty before the physical changes start to happen. Thiswill help them to understand what is happening to their body and why. Be honest about theemotional changes that they may experience as well.
Listen to your child without judgment.
Let your child know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns they haveabout puberty. Be supportive and understanding, even if you don't agree with everythingthey have to say.
Help your child to develop a positive body image.
Puberty can be a time when kids become very self-conscious about their bodies. Help themto develop a positive body image by talking about all the things that their bodies can do,rather than focusing on their appearance.
Encourage your child to be physically active and eat a healthy diet.
This will help them to feel good about themselves and will also support their physical development during puberty.
For children who experience early puberty:
- Be extra sensitive to their needs.
- Help them to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with teasing or bullying.
- Talk to them about the importance of making healthy choices, such as eating abalanced diet and getting enough sleep.
For children who experience late puberty:
- Reassure them that they are normal and that everyone develops at their own pace.
- Encourage them to talk to you if they are feeling frustrated or insecure about theirdevelopment.
- Help them to find activities and hobbies that they enjoy and where they feelcomfortable in their skin.