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. # # # # #
KissMeGoodnight.com
: 2006
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