{"id":22276,"date":"2023-06-07T18:15:54","date_gmt":"2023-06-07T18:15:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/?p=22276"},"modified":"2023-10-10T01:22:15","modified_gmt":"2023-10-10T01:22:15","slug":"how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-puberty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bloomforall.com\/parent\/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-puberty\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a time of massive changes \u2014 physically, emotionally, and relationally. Here\u2019s how to help them prepare.<\/p>

Written by Lori Reichel, Ph.D.  |  Reviewed by Hina J. Talib, MD<\/em><\/p>

Puberty is a transformative time for kids. Their bodies develop and mature, and they might experience mood swings, sexual feelings, and personality shifts. These changes can impact a child\u2019s self-esteem, their friendships and family relationships, and how they feel about school, sports, and activities. <\/p>

Guiding your preteen or teen through puberty might seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Here\u2019s how to help them understand what\u2019s going on \u2014 and how to prepare for the changes they might experience.<\/p>

What Is Puberty? <\/h2>

Puberty<\/a> is the developmental period when a kid\u2019s body matures and becomes capable of sexual reproduction. It usually starts around ages 8-10 and lasts for five to seven years. <\/p>

Since all bodies are different and develop on slightly different timelines, puberty is marked by a series of five stages. These are called the Tanner stages<\/a>, and they\u2019re based on the growth and development of genitals, body and genital hair, and other sex characteristics. <\/p>

Why You Should Have the Puberty Talk <\/h2>

Puberty is a years-long rite of passage that brings so<\/em> much change, and so<\/em> quickly. It\u2019s often confusing for kids \u2014 and it can be confusing for you as a parent or caregiver! While you can\u2019t predict exactly how puberty will impact your child, you\u2019ll want to prepare them for what they\u2019re about to experience. <\/p>

When to Start Talking About Puberty<\/h2>
\"teens<\/figure>

Start the conversation early \u2014 during their elementary school years \u2014 and keep exploring the topic as they grow. This will allow them to get used to the idea of puberty, so they\u2019re more prepared and confident once they begin to experience changes. (They might be more curious and receptive when they\u2019re younger, too.)<\/p>

Talking About Puberty With Neurodivergent Tweens and Teens <\/h3>

Neurodivergent tweens and teens\u2019 emotional developmental age may differ from their physical developmental age, and they may need more support. As you discuss puberty, it\u2019s best to start simple and add details as they demonstrate understanding. (If they have a medical and\/or educational team, those folks can offer suggestions for explaining puberty in a way that\u2019s individualized for your child.)<\/p>

Neurodivergent kids might also have a harder time expressing their feelings. It might help to download a feeling chart<\/a> with simple pictures describing a variety of feelings that they can point to during these conversations.<\/p>

<\/span>\"\"

Ready to elevate your parenting? Become a member of the BLOOM family today! <\/h2>\n\n

Gain access to workshops, coaching, and a network of supportive parents. Don\u2019t navigate this journey alone –<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\n\n
JOIN TODAY<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

How to Talk to Your Kids About Puberty <\/h2>

Choose a place where you both feel comfortable and have privacy, like a car ride or a walk, and a time when you\u2019re not rushed or stressed. You can also look for teachable moments on TV or in movies that might spark a conversation.<\/p>

When you\u2019re explaining biology and physiology, be straightforward, honest, and use correct terminology and anatomical language, not slang. <\/p>

It\u2019s vital to acknowledge their fluctuating feelings and to create an atmosphere that encourages \u2014 and doesn\u2019t shame or downplay \u2014 emotional expression. The more you can share your<\/em> feelings, by saying things like \u201cI feel X when Y\u201d or \u201cI need\/want X,\u201d the more the tweens and teens around you will understand what healthy emotional expression sounds like.<\/p>

Talking to 8-10 Year Olds (Tanner Stage 1) <\/h3>

During these years, it\u2019s important to lay a foundation that you can build on as they develop. You might ask:<\/p>