Puberty info for parents
It might have been a while
since you went through puberty, so use these resources if you need a refresher
on exactly what happens and when. Some of the information can also give you
advice on how to get over your embarrassment and talk openly with your child.
Tips on talking to your child about puberty
You will find useful
information and advice by reading the articles on this site called 'How to talk to your child about sex', 'Talking to your teenager about sex' and
'Why talk to your children about sex'.
Or you could consider the
following sources of information on various aspects of preparing your children
for puberty:
- The free
government leaflet 'Talking to your teenager about sex and
relationships' is available nationwide through pharmacies. It gives
tips on when and how to start tricky conversations with your
kids plus technical information on different types of contraception.
- The
FPA has helpful information for parents. Its book ‘Speakeasy: talking with your children about growing
up’ spells out exactly how to sit down and talk
to your children about puberty, sex and relationships in an age-appropriate
way. The book is easy to read and suitable for parents with children of
any age. The FPA’s leaflet ‘Talking to your child about sex and relationships’
does exactly what it says on the tin. It also tells you what children are
taught in school. Find out more about these publications from the FPA
website (there is a charge for both), or check if your local library
stocks them or can order them for you.
Puberty: what to expect
- ‘Surviving Adolescence - a toolkit for parents’
is a leaflet that gives parents clear information on what to expect
when their children hit adolescence, including why they’re likely to
become sulky, suddenly start dieting, have crushes on friends, and crave
excitement. The leaflet, which is produced by the Royal College of
Psychiatrists, has practical advice and also points out
the positive aspects of having kids this age, like how satisfying it
can be to see your children grow through adolescense into young adults.
- sex and relationships.
The course involves sessions over an eight-week period at venues all over
the country. It's generally free for parents and carers.
Puberty and children with learning disabilities
- The National Autistic
Society has useful information for parents of children with
autistic spectrum disorder. It gives down to earth guidance on how
to discuss tricky topics such as puberty, sex, relationships, personal
hygiene and so on with your autistic child. Read ‘Sex education and children and young people with an
ASD’ online and print it out for free.
- Contact a Family’s
booklet ‘Growing up, sex and relationships’ is for
parents of disabled children or children with learning disabilities and
gives advice on what to expect as your child matures, and what support is
available to them when they start to form intimate relationships. Read the
leaflet online at Contact a Family’s website, or order a free copy from
Contact a Family on 0808 808 3555, textphone 0808 808 3556 or email helpline@cafamily.org.uk.
There is also an audio recording of the booklet, which you can listen to
free online.
Last reviewed: 28/01/2012
Next review due: 28/01/2014
Article url:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/puberty/Pages/Pubertyinfoforparents.aspx
