Talking To Your Tween About Physical Changes

It is not always easy to talk to your child about physical changes, but this is a talk you do not want to skip. They are eventually going to notice changes to their body, and this may cause them to feel alarmed or embarrassed. Of course, a minor can learn about the changes through their friends, the television or the Internet, so you want to approach them on the subject before their body starts to change.

Here are several tips for talking to your tween about the physical changes their body will undergo as they grow.

Address The Changes

The first thing you should do is address the physical changes, which often include acne, sweating and growth spurts. You also want to address the inevitable hair growth in different areas. They also undergo gender-related changes, such as deeper voices in boys and menstruation in girls. It may feel like an awkward conversation in the making, but you need to address these changes before they take your child by surprise.

Answer Their Questions

If your young person has any questions about their body, answer those questions without making them feel insecure. They may have questions about getting rid of acne, dealing with hormonal changes or certain body parts. Remember to stay calm and be honest when answering their questions. Your approach could make or break your youngster coming to you with questions in the future.

Reassure Your Tween

In addition to feeling insecure or embarrassed, a tween may also feel worried over the changes. Lumps, menstruation and enlarged body parts are new and different for a young person, and they are still at that age where they need your reassurance. Let them know that these changes are a normal part of growing up for everyone. It may comfort them to know they are not alone in these physical changes. If your youngster is concerned because they are going through a change earlier or later than others, remind them that everyone grows and develops at their own pace.

Explain Personal Hygiene

Between sweating, acne and menstruation, now is the time to remind your adolescent that personal hygiene is important. If you are looking for a way to approach it that does not make them feel self-conscious, let them know that showering and grooming may help them to feel better about their changes. You can also remind them that staying clean is a great way to stay healthy.

Keep It Private

A discussion about physical changes should always stay between you and your adolescent. Their self-esteem is tested during this time, and the last thing they want is for family, friends or strangers to overhear the conversation. You want to set aside a time to talk to your child one-on-one, and assure them that you are not going to repeat the conversation to anyone else.

You may feel nervous about talking to your tween about the physical changes, but you are preparing them for what is a new and different stage of their life.