Puberty for Parents

What do I mean when I say, “puberty for parents”? Sadly, many parents and caregivers did not get a good puberty education when they needed it. They were left to figure it out on their own. However, it’s never too late to learn about puberty so that you can do a better job teaching your own child.

Every parent I’ve ever met has told me that they would like to teach their child about puberty and sexuality, but they don’t know how. Most adults did not have good models for how to talk to kids about puberty. Now, they are trying to figure out how to teach their own children about puberty without having a solid foundation. Now is the time to build that foundation: Puberty for parents!

Tips to Get Started

• Clarify personal and family beliefs and values.
• Know the facts or where to find them.
• Practice communication and active listening.
• Start short conversations by age eight.
• Take advantage of teachable moments as they arise.

Five Things Every Child Needs

1. Affirmation
2. Information
3. Clarity about values
4. Limit setting
5. Anticipatory guidance [1]

Use Free Resources:

• “Preparing Parents for Puberty” Online Parent Course is free in December 2020
• “How to Teach Puberty Education at Home” blog post series
• Parent Resources website
• Book Review Videos on Facebook or YouTube

Learn More

• Tips for Talking about Sexual Health
• Talking to Your Child About Sexual Health
• Growth and Development, Ages Six to Eight: What Parents Need to Know
• Growth and Development, Ages Nine to Twelve: What Parents Need to Know
• The “Every Body”
• The Sexuality Wheel
• Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids’ “Go-To” Person about Sex

 

Take a Class for Parents!

Get Preparing Parents for Puberty Now!

 

[1] Talk to Me First: Everything You Need to Know to Become Your Kids’ “Go-To” Person about Sex and book review video