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Talking to your Pre-teen About Puberty
By Mother | August 4, 2007
Puberty is a stage that your pre-teens will go through. This is when they start to go through body changes. It is necessary for you as a parent to talk to them about their changing body. Do you remember when you were going though those changes in your own body? Interestingly, most of us did not get that “talk” from our parents but heard about menstruation and sex from our friends.
Today’s world is a bit different from before. There are more diseases and problems facing teens, it is imperative that we give our teens the knowledge and information to answer the many questions they may have concerning their bodies. Below are some things you can adapt if you have a teen who is going through puberty:
- If you are the type of parent who is open to any discussion, even sex and puberty with your teen - then, plan for a few hours to freely talk to your teen about sex and puberty and any other questions they may have.
- You can check out the library or your local bookstore for books regarding this topic and you can read it together with your pre-teen. Make sure you are there to answer any questions they might have.
- You can both surf the web and visit sites which explain about puberty and body changes.
- Honesty is crucial. Make sure you are honest in every aspect of this subject.
- If this is your first “puberty talk” with your child, you may be nervous. Note that your child could be nervous too.
- If you have a preteen daughter, make sure to discuss the menstrual cycle and answer any questions they might have.
- Explain to your teen that puberty also includes breast enlargement,additional hair gorwth, and hormones.
Be open with your child. Your parents may have not been open but times have changed. Break the taboo chain so that your child is not afraid and does not hesitate to come to you if they need clarity in their ever changing body.
Every child is unique and you need to remind them that. They may develop differently from others at different times too. Assure them that everything is alright. If you wish, you can celebrate “changes” in our child’s body by doing something fun. This way, your preteen will view the changes as positive ones and accept them more readily.
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