Teen Parenting Help - Puberty

 

Puberty is a natural process that everyone goes through when they reach their teen years. The exact age of puberty for an individual child can vary quite a bit depending on a host of factors. On average however girls begin to go through the stages of puberty at age 11 and boys generally at 13.

The whole point of puberty is that it begins the process of change from a child to an adult. This includes altering the appearance and many psychological changes as well. Many children will not be ready for these changes and may not take them with open arms. It is important for you to sit down with your teen and discuss puberty as an open process and not something that you just shove under the table.

As puberty comes along, your teen is going to need many new toiletry products. This may include deodorant, shaving supplies, tampons, and more. An effective way to go about acquiring these items is to just take the initiative and go out and buy the items for your child without talking to them first. Place the items in their room and don’t talk about them unless your child brings them up. Because they are new to the whole process they may feel very private and embarrassed about many of the products.

One thing that is difficult about puberty for parents is that t is a process that confirms to us that our children are growing up. Puberty is a process which prepares the body for sex and reproduction. You need to sit down with your teen and explain to them that even though their body may be ready, mentally they are not ready for such a big step.

As puberty begins to set in many teens begin to feel very body conscious. This is a symptom that is extremely common with females. Females are by nature much more judgmental then males. Females also experience a huge amount of pressure from the media on being skinny and popular. It is important to constantly remind yourself and your teen that perfection is no such thing and beauty can come in many shapes and sizes.