In today’s world, television and the Internet expose children to many facts about puberty, sex and relationships. Therefore, they may already be aware of some concepts associated with puberty by the time they reach it. However, parents are still responsible for talking to their children about puberty because not all the information children have access to is correct.
Do not resist asking your child about the changes in their body, especially if your child is unaware that he can communicate with you about something important.
Puberty discussion with your child should not be a one-time occurrence. Instead, discuss with your children the physical changes they will go through as they age. For example, while some boys begin puberty at age 9, some girls start at age 8. As a result, she may need to have these kinds of chats sooner than anticipated.
Before your child enters puberty, talk to them about the emotional changes that occur with it. In this article, I will explain more about puberty and how parents can talk to their children about it.
When to Talk To Your Child About Puberty
Parents should talk to their children about puberty before they experience any changes in their bodies. This is when they are most receptive to new information, and it will help them better understand what is happening to them. Parents should be aware of when their child is ready for this conversation, which can vary from child to child.
The Ideal Age For Both Girls And Boys
Girls often start going through puberty between the ages of 8 and 14. Parents should talk about menstruation with their daughters before their first period. When a girl first sees the blood and the source of it, she can be afraid if she doesn’t know what’s wrong with her.
Most females start having periods when they are 12 or 13 years old, which is two to two and a half years after they begin going through puberty. However, some girls start their period as early as age 9, while others don’t until age 16.
Boys often start going through puberty between the ages of 9 and 15. However, boys typically enter puberty a little later than girls, usually between the ages of 10 and 11.
Both boys and girls are frequently taught about sex in schools. However, classrooms are commonly split into gendered groups. In particular, menstruation and sports bras are explained to the ladies, while erections and voice changes are covered for the boys.
Boys need to understand the changes affecting girls, and girls need to understand the changes affecting boys. To figure out the topics, you need to emphasize with your child and ask your child’s teacher about the topics taught in those classes.
Reviewing the topics your child is studying with you is a good idea because they likely have unanswered questions about some cases.
What You Should Let Your Child (Boy & Girl) Know About Puberty
As you discuss puberty with your son, make an effort to convince him that puberty isn’t something to be scared of. It’s common for children to feel insecure and alone during puberty because there are so many changes.
During puberty, boys frequently exhibit self-consciousness about their appearance. Knowing that everyone has undergone the same changes can be helpful to them. They should also be aware that there is a lot of variation in the timing of those changes. All of these features of growing up, acne, mood swings, growth spurts, hormonal changes, etc., occurs to some extent in everyone, though not always at the same rate.
Girls can begin puberty in the second or third grade of primary school. If your daughter wears a sports bra initially, she might not like it. She can feel strange, lonely, or like everyone is staring at her.
Changes in boys include deepening or cracking of the voice and facial hair development (beards). Your child can feel awkward or that he or she is the center of attention of his classmates if he or she is among the first to undergo these changes.
Regarding puberty, your child should be aware of the following:
– Both boys and girls begin to develop pubic and underarm hair, and the leg hair thickens and darkens.
– Both boys and girls get acne and begin to sweat more.
– Both boys and girls have a growth spurt.
– The penis and testicles get larger in boys.
– The boys’ voices transform and become more serious.
– Boys develop beards and bulk up their muscles.
– Boys occasionally ejaculate during the night or nocturnal discharges.
– Girls develop rounder body types, particularly in the hips and legs.
– Girls’ breasts enlarge, occasionally one more so than the other.
– The girls start their period. Blood fills the uterine lining every month in preparation for a fertilized egg. Without fertilization, the girl will have menstruation (or menstruation). The girl will get pregnant if fertilization takes place.
– Girls must wear pads or tampons to absorb the blood during their three- to seven-day menstrual cycle.
How To Talk To Your Child About Puberty
Talking to your children about puberty causes anxiety in all parents. It’s crucial to realize that this discussion is essential for your child’s physical and mental well-being. Here are 8 ways to teach your child about puberty;
1. Be open and honest. Your child can sense if you are uncomfortable or uncertain about the topic.
2. Start with a question: “Do you have any questions about puberty?” Be prepared to answer questions honestly and openly.
3. Use the correct terminology for body parts and bodily changes.
4. Make sure to use correct gender pronouns when referring to other people in this conversation.
5. Offer your child accurate information without judging or shaming them for their feelings or experiences.
6. Encourage your child to talk with you about anything they want – no question is off-limits!
7. Remember that this conversation will happen as they grow up, so don’t be afraid to revisit the topic in the future!
8. Don’t forget to be supportive and loving!
Common Questions To Expect From Your Child About Puberty
Children naturally have many questions when they learn about puberty, which is understandable. Make sure your child has the chance to ask questions and respond to them truthfully.
Some of the most common questions children ask include the following:
What Exactly Is This Bulge Of Hard Tissue In My Chest?
Girls developing their breasts may have solid and sensitive lumps under their nipples. This is normal. As the breasts grow, the hardness and sensitivity will gradually fade.
Why Do My Breasts Seem To Be So Little (Or Large)?
Every girl has a different breast size. Tell your daughter that all breasts are attractive, whatever size. A girl may find it challenging to understand this because everyone matures at a different rate. As a girl develops, her breasts will continue to vary in size and shape. However, in the end, it does not affect her beauty or her capacity to breastfeed her child when she eventually becomes a mother.
How Come My Penis Is So Little (Or Large)?
Your son might believe that her penis is too big or too little because not all boys develop at the same period or rate. As it grows, your penis will increase in size. Penises come in various forms and sizes; however, while erect, there are significantly fewer variations.
Why Haven’t I Yet Developed Pubic Hair?
Although everyone develops pubic hair, some teenagers do so more slowly than others. The quantity or density of pubic hair varies depending on the individual, like breast size or height.
My breasts Are Growing Even Though I’m A Boy.
During puberty, some boys develop breasts temporarily. Gynecomastia is a condition brought on by changes in hormone levels during puberty. Usually, it disappears within a few months to a few years.
Why Haven’t I Had My Period Yet?
Menstruation arrives at different times for different girls, as it does with all puberty-related changes. Generally, girls begin menstruation 2 to 2.5 years after puberty, while some may experience longer or shorter puberties.
She might experience her period later than her friends if she entered puberty later than other girls. Some females may wait until they are 16 years old before beginning their period. Even though it can be challenging to deal with when all of their peers have already had their periods, this is generally common.
Conclusion
Talking to your child about puberty at an early age is one of the best decisions you should make as a Parent. With these helpful tips shared above, it will help you to be confident when discussing this topic with your children.
Finally, maintain a flowing conversation. While you should constantly make yourself available to your child, it’s also crucial that you spark up some conversations. As honestly as you can, talk about puberty and the feelings accompanying physical changes.
Children are frequently relieved that their parents occasionally bring up delicate matters for discussion, although it might be embarrassing for parents to do so. But it’s crucial to have these kinds of conversations.