Making Sense of Maturity
Navigating Puberty
Published: June 9, 2021
Photo by: Tabitha Graves
Many parents wish that time will stop and they can keep their little ones as they are. However, days continue to turn to months, and months to years, with the once little angels growing into highly curious adolescents. Puberty is a monumental time for children, a period where they undergo physical, mental, and emotional transformations in their journey to becoming full-fledged adults. Before they reach the finish line, though, kids would need a whole lot of reassurance and support from their moms and dads.
Puberty can be overwhelming for children, so it is recommended to discuss this subject in an open and relaxed manner. Ideally, these conversations should take place before the physical changes brought about by puberty manifest. This way, you may help manage your child’s expectations as they go through this revealing stage in their life.
Starting a conversation about puberty has to be done with sensitivity. Begin by finding out just how much your child knows about the topic. Determine if they’re talking about it in health classes in school, and have them share their thoughts about it. Should they come across information that seems inaccurate, stick to the facts and clear any ambiguities. While this is an important interaction that has to happen, take care not to rush your child as they are more receptive when they feel ready to talk and listen.
Should puberty prove to be quite a challenge, be ready to do the following as a parent:
- Provide simple, factual explanations as to why physical changes have to occur. Make them understand that these are natural and don’t make them any different from their peers.
- Reinforce that physical changes happen at different times. Everyone may go through the same motions, but they don’t do so at the same pace all the time.
- Reassure your child that puberty is an important and exciting life stage. Tell them that it is a point where they can learn more about themselves and their bodies.
- Make informed responses to any questions that your children may have. Exercise patience in answering their questions and ask for some time if you need more in-depth research about certain topics.
- Show them love and appreciation. Let them understand that even though they are experiencing physical changes, they are still beautiful in your eyes.