About this topic
Puberty is the time in your childs life when the body begins to change from a child into an adult. Hormones will cause physical and emotional changes over a few years. It is important to talk with your daughter to help her understand what kinds of things will be happening to her body. Be sure to also talk with her about what happens to boys when they go through puberty.
General
Teach your daughter about her body and the right names for both male and female body parts. As she gets older, help her learn about taking care of her body, about sex, and about healthy relationships. Also, talk about sexually-transmitted diseases, or STDs, and birth control before she starts having sex. These important issues may be hard to talk about. Be honest and direct with her when talking about these sensitive subjects.
When Is the Right Time to Start to Talk With Your Daughter?
- It is best to have many talks, rather than just one " talk '. Start early by answering questions about her body with names of body parts and what they are for. Talk about how her body changes as she grows.
- Start whenever she begins to ask questions about sex, sexual health, or body functions. Keep the answers very simple when your child is young. Add more details as she grows.
- Puberty starts between age 9 and 12. By the time your daughter is about 8 years old, she should know how puberty will affect her body and emotions. After this age, you will likely have to start this conversation. Your daughter may not feel it is okay to talk about these things with her parents.
- It is never too late to talk with your daughter about her body and its changes. It is better to talk to her later than not at all.
What Do I Tell Her?
- Before you start, make sure that you have all the right information you need. Learn about how her body works. Go to the library or online. Talk to your doctor. Find reliable information about birth control and STDs.
- Start by asking her what she knows about puberty. Find out what she wants to learn. Talk about what she thinks will happen to her body.
- Give her basic information about her body. Help her understand how her hormones will change her body and cause things like:
- Preparing her body for childbearing. She will start menstruating or having periods. Periods may not happen on a regular schedule at first. Your daughter may have cramps or other problems along with her period.
- Changes to her shape. Her hips, thighs, and bottom may become wider. Her breasts will begin to grow.
- Changes to her skin. She may see hair in her pubic area, on her legs, and under her arms. She will sweat more and may start to notice body odor.
- Changes to her mind and emotions. She will be able to understand more complex things. She may have mood swings.
- Help your daughter decide if she will use sanitary pads or tampons or both. Teach her how to use them.
- Teach your daughter to keep track of when her periods start and stop. This will help her know when to expect her next period. It will also prepare her to tell her doctor this information.
- Talk about relationships and love. Ask her what she knows about sex. Find out what she wants to learn about it. Talk about what she may have seen on TV or in movies. What did the characters do? Ask about any consequences for the characters. Explain that what happens on TV or in movies may be unrealistic.
- Talk about birth control. Ask her what she knows and wants to know about preventing pregnancy. Ask her how it might change her life to be pregnant or have a baby.
- Teach her about sexually-transmitted infections. Talk about how the infections are spread and what causes them. Teach her what the signs of STDs are, how the doctor tests for STDs, and how they are treated.. Explain that not all STDs are treatable. Explain how to prevent STDs.
- Use materials like pictures or videos to help your daughter understand clearly. Pick materials that are age appropriate for her.
- Practice how you will speak to your daughter.
- The setting is important. Make your daughter feel that she is free to ask questions and express her views. Ask her questions during or in between your conversations. Some children want to process the information and will have more questions later.
- Tell her it is OK if she feels more comfortable talking with a close family member about her body and emotional changes.
What will the results be?
- Your daughter will know about the changes that will be taking place in her body.
- You may be able to prevent surprise or fear when the changes happen.
- It may be easier for your child to come to you with questions and concerns.
Will there be any other care needed?
- There are vaccines that help prevent certain sexually-transmitted infections. Keep your daughters doctor visits and shots up to date.
- Check in with your daughter often. Ask open-ended questions such as "How was your time at/with ____? " Her questions and what she knows and thinks will change as she grows.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/pages/Concerns-Girls-Have-About-Puberty.aspx
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/parents/teens/index.html
KidsHealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/growing/talk_about_puberty.html
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
http://girlshealth.gov/body/puberty/index.html
Last Reviewed Date
2015-04-14
List_set bdysylist
- Healthy Living
- Mental Health
- Reproductive
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.
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Copyright © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.