Puberty and sex are sensitive issues that is sadly still a taboo and many parents refrain from discussing such essential issues with their soon-to-be teenagers, who at this very moment in their lives start to experience body changes, growth and raging hormones.
So how are Teenagers expected to know about such Important issues?
From their parents? teachers? books or the internet, huh?
After the millennials, the Gen Z making up of today’s teens and pre-teens are exposed to so much knowledge regarding sex and relationships on TV and the internet, indirectly influencing their developing hormones and curious minds with some advanced ideas. Hence, the role of a parent is vital when it comes to ‘The Sex Talk’ with their teenager.
Don’t wait for your child to come to you with questions about his or her evolving body, that day will never happen, particularly if your child Feels shy to speak to you about a sensitive topic.
Ideally, as a parent, you’ve already started talking to your children about body changes they are bound to experience as they grow up.
It’s necessary to address these puberty questions frankly and openly but don’t always wait for your child to launch a conversation. When children reach the age of 8, they will begin to start experiencing a slight physical and mental shift consistent with puberty.
This might sound young, but remember some girls start wearing training bras at the age of 9, while some start menstruating at that age. Boys on the other hand, start puberty a little bit later, mostly at the beginning of 12 right till the age of 14.
As a parent, it is your responsibility to seek puberty Discussions and the emotions connected with such changes as openly as possible.
Although you as a parent will feel ashamed or humiliated to address such delicate subjects, your child would be happy to know that you are open for intimate discussions.
Explaining to them would be better if you are sure that you know the subject matter and adopt the best approach to talk to them. And before you answer your child’s concerns, make sure your concerns have been answered as well.
Ultimately, any form of discussion must be dealt with an open mind, tactfulness and a sincerity to help your child as he or she starts developing and moving into the teenage phase of life.
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