What age should you start talking about puberty?
How old were you when you started learning about puberty? Did your parents talk to you at all about puberty? Do you want to be the same or different? When do you think is the right time to start talking? Should you start at an early age even though your child is not showing any signs yet? Are you wondering how to have the talk with your child?
I remember particularly talking to my oldest daughter about puberty at the age of 6 and even though it’s what I do for a living, talking about puberty all the time, it was not easy. I also remember my son finding a tampon in the bathroom drawer and asking me what it was? He was 7. Did I talk to him about periods? -absolutely! Was it awkward? -definitely. The talk lasted about 5 seconds, but even in that time he knew that I wanted to chat about it and this is why it was a great start.
How to talk to your son or daughter about puberty
Just like puberty starts at different ages, you can talk about puberty at different ages too and not just when they are actually going through it. In fact in my experience it is so much easier talking to children about puberty before it happens. If children are going through puberty, they nearly all cringe and feel very self-conscious. If not, they seem to except it more and know that it’s a normal part of life-even if they don’t necessarily understand the whole process yet.
Going through puberty is hard enough right? If you have already talked about puberty in an everyday way then your child will know that you are wanting to chat and to be open to helping them. For example, your pre-schooler might point to your pubic hair or breasts for example, and comment. Here’s an opportunity for you to say that when you were kid that you were like them but when you started growing up your body changed and that this happens to everyone and is really normal and that there is a reason for changing. They then might begin the ‘why’ questions. If your child has started school then this is the opportunity for you to start the conversations. Do you know what puberty is? Do you know what happens when you start growing up? Even saying the word puberty is important so that you are a ‘go to’ and approachable parent. You could even buy a funny picture book and read it with them before bedtime: https://www.amazingme.com.au/books-puberty.
I know many parents are not always comfortable about talking about puberty and this is often because their parents did not talk to them. No matter how you are feeling, just start with short conversations that you can repeat, rather than waiting for that one ‘big’ conversation. It’s also really okay if you don’t know the answers. Find out and get back to them. Follow my instagram @amazingme.education for lots of information and tips about talking to your children. Not only will your child be better prepared for puberty, they will know that puberty is normal whenever it happens, and most of all they will know that you are there for them, in the ups and downs of one of life’s amazing adventures.
