KissMeGoodnight eLearning Series:
Your Sexual Health

Parents Guide: Dealing with Puberty

There are many changes that occur with puberty including physical changes and changes to the reproductive system. Along with these changes, there are emotional and social changes. As the kids are in the middle of the hormonal changes, sex will become very prevalent in their thinking. It is important to talk to them about what is going on in their bodies and to encourage them not to act impulsively.

Puberty is a time when children are teetering between kids and adults. This can be very scary for them and it is important that parents remain calm as they go through this process. They are moving towards being able to have sex with consequences. It is important that your child know that they can come to you with any questions and you will not “freak out” at them. The moment they think, you will do this they will stop talking to you.

In addition, puberty is a time when the reproductive organs are getting ready to produce the sperm/eggs for the eventual birth process. Right now, they are at cross roads where there body is starting to mature but it is not quite there yet. Tell your children that they do not have anything to be embarrassed about and that the changes they are experiencing is a sign that they are on the road to becoming an adult.

Every girl and boy begins puberty at different ages. Typically, puberty can begin as early as eight for girls and nine for boys. However, puberty may begin much later. If you are concerned that your child is showing signs of early puberty or not showing, the right signs please call your family doctor and they can help you further.

A girl goes through during puberty several changes. One of the most noticeable changes, aside from the attitude, are her breasts will begin to enlarge. Pubic hair also begins to develop at this time. Her shape will move from a straight line and begin developing more of a rounded shape. She will also gain weight and grow in height. Then because the hormones are racing through her body, she may notice that she has developed body odor and it is now time to start using a deodorant. The last sign for her is the beginning of her menstrual cycle. Many changes occur within her body that she cannot see; her reproductive organs begin to mature to prepare her for eventually becoming pregnant.

These changes can be terrifying to a girl. It is important that she knows she can come to you with any questions she may have about her body or even things her peers tell her that her body should be doing. Sit down, explain to her the changes she is going through, and reaffirm to her that she can come to you at anytime with any questions she has. Be prepared and stay calm.

For a girl the beginning of a menstrual period can be down right scary. Up until this point, any loss of blood meant that there was an injury on her body of some kind. She needs to know that this type of blood loss is very normal and that she will be all right. Explain to her that the blood loss is actually the shedding of endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus and this good thing because it means she is not pregnant. This is the time to instruct her on the products available during her menses. Encourage her to find the one that makes her comfortable.

As you talk to her about her body, talk to her about the changes that occur in the boy’s body also during puberty. As the boy turns into a young man, he develops hair on his body and pelvic region. His testicles begin to grow as they mature and that the hormone in his body, testosterone, will also increase the size of his penis. You do not want your daughter to be caught unaware of the changes that occur in both sexes during this time.

Boys will often have a “wet dream.” This is when a male ejaculates during sleep. This may happen while he is dreaming. It is very normal and the body’s way of releasing sperm. He may think he has wet the bed and be embarrassed. Tell your son this is very normal and nothing to be ashamed about. It is all part of his body moving into adulthood.

Other changes that occur during puberty are facial acne. Excess oil gets trapped under the skin and becomes inflamed. There are many over-the-counter treatments available for acne. If it is severe, your doctor may recommend a dermatologist to aid in clearing it up.

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by KissMeGoodnight.com : 2006

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