Talking To Your Children About Puberty

More about talking to your children about puberty

Puberty is a stage of growing up when your body and emotions start to change as you become an adult. It happens to everyone, but it can start at different ages for different people. You might notice changes like growing taller, body hair, or changes in your voice or periods starting. These changes are normal, but they can feel new or unexpected.

It can feel confusing, exciting, or sometimes worrying when these changes begin. You might feel unsure about what is happening or have questions about your body or feelings. Talking to a trusted adult can help you understand these changes and find ways to manage them. Learning about your body can also help you stay healthy and feel more confident.

Most of the time, puberty does not need medical help. But it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor or nurse if changes happen very early, much later than expected, or if something does not feel right. You should also seek help if you feel very upset, worried, or have questions you cannot answer. You are not alone, and support and advice are available when you need it.

Children in Years 5 and 6 usually learn about puberty at school from their teacher or school nurse. These lessons cover body and emotional changes, relationships, how babies are made, and body confidence. It’s important for children to learn about these changes before they happen, so they feel prepared. Talking with your child about puberty can help them understand what to expect and feel more confident.

You can use TV, films, or book characters to help talk about feelings and growing up. Some children find it helpful to draw a simple body picture and label body parts and changes to explore what they know. Using the correct words for body parts helps children understand their bodies and stay safe.

Try different ways to talk if one approach does not work, and follow your child’s lead on how much detail they want. Make sure they can ask questions, and answer honestly—even if you need to find the answer later. It’s normal to feel a bit awkward talking about puberty, but being open and using a little humour can help make it easier.

These books can help children and families learn about puberty, body changes, and growing up: The Book About Periods for All Young People by Olivia Brinkley-Green, The Period Book: Everything You Don’t Want to Ask but Need to Know by Karen Gravelle, Susan’s Growing Up by Sheila Hollins and Valerie Sianson, Hair in Funny Places by Babette Cole, The Girls’ Guide to Growing Up Great by Sophie Elkan, Questions Children Ask and How to Answer Them by Miriam Stoppard, Where Willy Went by Nicholas Allan, Let’s Talk About the Birds and the Bees by Molly Potter, Helping Your Kids with Growing Up by Robert Winston, What’s Happening to Me? by Susan Meredith, It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H Harris.