When do you talk to your daughter about puberty?

As a parent, talking about puberty with your daughter can be awkward and uncomfortable. But believe me, it’s better to have this talk sooner rather than later. Just imagine how embarrassing it would be if she had to learn about puberty from her friends or even worse, the internet! So when is the right time to have this conversation? Here are some helpful tips.

Start Early – Before Puberty Even Begins

1. Explain What Puberty Is

Believe it or not, girls as young as five might start noticing changes in their bodies that make them curious. Take advantage of early curiosity by introducing your daughter to the idea of touchy topics like menstruation before they become taboo subjects.

2. Use Age-Appropriate Language

While you’re explaining what puberty is all about, use language that’s easy for kids to understand without causing alarm. Save words like ‘menstruation’, ‘ovaries’ and ‘vagina’ for when they’re ready (usually between 8-10).

Prepare Her for Physical Changes – Ages Eight Through Ten

1. Help Her Understand Normal Changes

Once your daughter hits eight-ish years old, expect more specific questions from her regarding pubertal changes such as breast budding and hair growth in different places on her body.

It’s up to you whether or not you want her learning everything at once or over a prolong period at an age-appropriate level.

However, remember: Delaying discussion could lead her via other sources including possibly misinformation from technology which may damage any rapport built-up throughout recent development.

Don’t shy away–remain engaged!

2. Make Sure She Knows About Periods

If there’s one thing we can predict with certainty during female puberty – It will come [Periods]. So tackle this topic head-on, even by handing your daughter ‘sanitary napkins’ or ‘pads’ (depending on the country). This will prepare her for a natural event now with familiarity before it happens. Teach how to apply them properly and explain that they are disposable after use.

3. Encourage Open Communication

By this age you’ve hopefully set up an atmosphere of trust, honesty, openness and approachability. By doing so more questions should arise from ask visits made balanced enough! Ensure she knows that she can always come to you no matter what.

Dealing with Emotions – Ages Eleven Onwards

1. Chat About Body Image

It can be really rough dealing changes in all physical forms as puberty goes on, making girls particularly vulnerable to developing negative body image disorders which could lead adult problems down the line. Now is a great time to encourage healthy habits including self-image!

Perhaps include reassurances like many people have awkward stages & personality traits which at times feel overwhelming or different

Insist that staying active remains important while consuming plenty nutrients throughout this period too!

Try complimenting your child frequently about non-body appearance qualities: intelligence/creativity/kindness, rather than ability-by-facial features or waist measurements if possible.

2. Address Emotional Changes

Puberty brings crazy hormonal fluctuations causing moodiness usually without rhyme or reason during such an evident among both boys/girls puberty ages though expressing ones emotions is way healthier of coping mechanisms than suppression I am sure we can agree?!

Encourage as much expression ie journal keeping perhaps painting-help express feelings/emotions/tensions frustrations conversation lasting positive connection between parent child bond building!

Remember simple listening and patience works magic too!

3. Answer Questions Honestly

Now she’s getting older? Expect tougher/deeper/”realer”questions coming from mature perspective addressing far-reaching challenges concerning pregnancy sex relationships (etc!).

It isn’t easy whatsoever. Tough memories from our own coming-of-age stories could surface, or maybe sensitive topics causing mass anxiety upon their inquisition.

Remain calm and attempt answering as honestly as possible without providing risk-based or private information your child is not mature enough for yet!

4. Educate Her About Sex Ed

In more progressive cultures that utilize sex education classes within school curriculum, reasons might still exist for a talking to occur in family settings including supplementary guidance regarding these class assignments teaching children regarding safe-sex practices-birth control protection strategies-whilst avoiding disease plus unprotected pregnancy.

Finale- I hope some of this chunky composition helps both parent/s and young girls navigating through puberty with little awkwardness aiding mental health-Body maintenance conversations happen fluidly at any age whilst sustaining communicative bonds going forward!

Thank you!!

Random Posts