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Parents - A General Guide on How to Deal with your Child's Body Changes
There are many changes that occur with puberty including
physical changes and changes to the reproductive system. Along with these
changes, there are emotional and social changes. As the kids are in the middle
of the hormonal changes, sex will become very prevalent in their thinking. It
is important to talk to them about what is going on in their bodies and to
encourage them not to act impulsively. Puberty is a time
when children are teetering between kids and adults. This can be very scary for
them and it is important that parents remain calm as they go through this
process. They are moving towards being able to have sex with consequences. It
is important that your child know that they can come to you with any questions
and you will not “freak out” at them. The moment they think, you will do this
they will stop talking to you. In addition,
puberty is a time when the reproductive organs are getting ready to produce the
sperm/eggs for the eventual birth process. Right now, they are at cross roads
where there body is starting to mature but it is not quite there yet. Tell your
children that they do not have anything to be embarrassed about and that the
changes they are experiencing is a sign that they are on the road to becoming
an adult. Every girl and boy
begins puberty at different ages. Typically, puberty can begin as early as
eight for girls and nine for boys. However, puberty may begin much later. If
you are concerned that your child is showing signs of early puberty or not
showing, the right signs please call your family doctor and they can help you
further. A girl goes through
during puberty several changes. One of the most noticeable changes, aside from
the attitude, are her breasts will begin to enlarge. Pubic hair also begins to
develop at this time. Her shape will move from a straight line and begin
developing more of a rounded shape. She will also gain weight and grow in
height. Then because the hormones are racing through her body, she may notice
that she has developed body odor and it is now time to start using a deodorant.
The last sign for her is the beginning of her menstrual cycle. Many changes
occur within her body that she cannot see; her reproductive organs begin to
mature to prepare her for eventually becoming pregnant. These changes can
be terrifying to a girl. It is important that she knows she can come to you
with any questions she may have about her body or even things her peers tell
her that her body should be doing. Sit down, explain to her the changes she is
going through, and reaffirm to her that she can come to you at anytime with any
questions she has. Be prepared and stay calm. For a girl the beginning of a menstrual period can be down right scary. Up until this point, any loss of blood meant that there was an injury on her body of
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