When do i talk to my son about puberty

KVT: Are there issues parents should discuss with kids that weren't a concern when they were growing up? LF: Yes, the importance of privacy.

As puberty hits, parents should talk to their kids about social media and make sure that kids understand that posting pictures online of anything related to their own or others' sexual development is not a way to respect themselves or others. LF : It's important that when parents talk to boys about what they experience, they should also talk about what girls experience — menstruation, breast development, growth spurts that occur earlier than in boys — because it further promotes the idea of mutual respect for bodily changes.

If mothers talk to their sons, they can be just as effective as fathers. And if a mother doesn't feel comfortable discussing these things with her son, she should ask his father, a relative, pediatrician, coach or another male friend.

It's also critical that parents ask their kids' teachers what they're being taught in school. Parents should familiarize themselves with the curriculum and its timing because this is a great time for parents to insert their own values into the conversation. Finally, whatever they do, parents should never tease a child who's going through puberty. The best thing is to be matter-of-fact and provide honest and intelligent answers.

More Checkup ». Tags: Checkup , Dad Issue , puberty. Keep commenting classy! Read our guidelines Science, Design, and History! Campers work on multiple projects daily linked to concepts they see in the museum such as simple machines, measurement, and energy transfer.

Switch to the mobile version of this page. Kids VT. Pin It. Favorite Saving…. Some kids struggle with the changes, while others sail through puberty without concern. Only a small percentage of children experience extreme turmoil during this phase of their development. You can read more detailed articles on puberty and the teenage years in general, but this short summary gives you an idea of what to expect. The changes of puberty are physical, sexual, social and emotional. It may be anywhere from 18 months up to 5 years.

Genetic, nutritional and social factors determine when puberty starts and for how long it runs. Mood changes and energy level variations are normal parts of puberty, as are swings between feeling independent and wanting parental support.

Your child will want to establish their own identity, which may include new friendships and experiences. If this happens, they will encounter challenges about how to manage current friendships. They may also start to explore their sexuality and may go on dates and start developing romantic relationships. Puberty and adolescence is a time for children to become more independent such as getting themselves to and from school. They may also be looking for more responsibility, such as taking on a leadership position at school, or finding a part-time job.

Your child may also be sensitive about how they look and their new body changes. Privacy and personal space may become very important to them. These social and emotional changes show your child is forming their own identity and learning how to be an independent adult. They are developing their decision-making skills and learning to recognise and understand the consequences of their actions. Social media use is common among teenagers. It has a range of benefits such as connecting with friends, feeling less isolated, exposure to new ideas and risks such as cyberbullying, sexting and spending too much time online associated with its use.

ReachOut has helpful tips about teenage social media use and the eSafety Commissioner has developed an online safety guide for parents and carers in several languages. Read more about internet safety for children on the Better Health Channel. Explain that puberty is an exciting time that means adulthood is approaching.

Puberty is also a time when role-modelling body acceptance is really valuable. Your child will compare their body to those of their friends, and may feel worried about their own development. The best thing you can do is show understanding and explain bodies come in all shapes and sizes.

Modelling a healthy lifestyle will also help your child. Always knock before entering their room. If your child is early or late to puberty, be understanding and offer lots of reassurance and support.

They may feel embarrassed but let them know everybody develops at their own pace. Helping your daughter with firsts, such as being ready for her first period are really important. Discreetly pack some sanitary items in her schoolbag, and explain to her how to use them for example, not sleeping with a tampon in place. Be ready for period pain: a hot water bottle and pain relief from your doctor or pharmacist may help.

Remember, explain to your daughter that all these changes are natural and happen to every girl in her own time. Helping your son through puberty is mostly about reassurance. You may also need to reassure your son that penis size does not affect sexual functioning, and that erect penises are usually very similar in size.

Every boy develops in his own time. Ejaculating during sleep sometimes called a wet dream and spontaneous erections are both normal.

If your son experiences breast growth or tenderness, he may be concerned. Again, reassurance is the key. Any tenderness is likely to settle once his chest widens.

If your son feels small or too thin for his age, reassure him he will grow in time. Remember, you know your child best. If anything about their development concerns you, see your GP. When kids are toddlers or preschoolers, they start asking questions about their bodies — and even yours. If you start early and talk to them often, then talking about puberty when they get older will be a lot easier.

Puberty is the stage of life when the body of a child transitions into an adult body capable of sexual reproduction. Puberty is a normal and healthy part of development for girls and boys. For most girls, the changes start between 8 and 12 years of age, with breast growth and then pubic and underarm hair growth. On average, girls start having their periods when they are around 12 years old. For most boys, puberty starts a bit later, between 10 and 14 years of age.