Puberty is seen as a very sensitive topic which not every child can speak openly to anybody including you as their parents. Besides, they would be exposed to so much information about almost anything in the social media that some could not be reliable sources. It’s best to be pro-active and start early by noticing changes in your children instead of waiting for them to consult you!
Let them know what the changes that they would expect and how long it would be or when it normally would happen. This is to keep them prepare and not being afraid when it happens. Both girls and boys have their own differences and similarities in their respective changes. The obvious changes for girls would be the development of breasts and the increase in their size becoming rounder in some areas. As for boys, they would face changes in their voices becoming deeper and the growth of facial hair or bigger muscles.
Certain period of the months, girls would begin menstruation and it could last from 3 days to week where you should explain to them that it’s normal because their uterus lining will be filled with blood in preparation for the next round of ovulation. If the egg isn’t fertilized, she will have her menstruation but if it’s fertilized then she will become pregnant. You may explain to them again about where babies come from and how exactly it happens clearly now. Not to forget, teach them how to handle their situation and their preparation before every menstruation.
As for boys, explain to them that sometimes they would have wet dreams where they would ejaculate in their sleep and teach them how to handle such situation or other ways to help them better. Well, both girls and boys would also have similarities of getting acne and sweat more. They would also be getting pubic hair and underarm hair. Some leg hair would become thicker and darker too.
All these changes are very normal and should be told to your kids. No doubt timing is important as some kids would go through this stage very early and usually they would feel awkward and lonely due to being the only one experiencing the changes. Calm your kids down by explaining to them that their insecurities about their appearances are the same things that everyone goes through but in different variation of timing. Help them to get use to the changes and encourage them not to be afraid but proud instead by sharing their experiences and tips with their friends who are in the midst of that stage or who are yet to experience it.
In any cases where if you’re not sure of their concerns or questions about their pubertal development, don’t hesitate to bring them to visit a doctor whom may help to provide assurance! Indeed it’s a sensitive issue and ensures you’re confident with the knowledge you have about the subject matter by equipping yourselves through researches or tips from friends and other sources.