Yes, you read that right. We are going to talk about puberty today. No matter how much  we say we are prepared but the truth is when it comes to talking about puberty to our kids, we become nervous. Don’t say, you never gave it a thought or never found yourself in a question mark that when the time will come, how am I going to talk to my girl about puberty. When I used to hear other moms talking about explaining this topic to their kids, I felt whats so big deal in it? So, now when I already had this discussion with my daughter, I understood what was the deal all about. It’s not because we don’t want to talk about it. It is because we have to tell them about a some what complicated sounding concept in simple words. We have to decode it in the language they will understand. Now, that is something not very easy. Isn’t? So, how did I explain it to my daughter when I got an invitation letter to attend the girl’s talk that was arranged by the school? Yes, the school had organized a Girl’s Talk and parents had to sign the permission slip and we were also invited to attend it. They were going to talk about monthly cycles, body changes, hormonal changes through an animated video which was made keeping kids in mind and was approved my the district.

Suddenly, I realized that the time has come. I was going to talk to her about it in summer vacation but now when they were going to discuss about it at school, I decided to brief her. To my surprise, she was very open. We share an open relationship when it comes to discussing various topics. For this, I would give all the credit to my mom who used to have open talks with me and my sister. I attended that talk and was happy to see my daughter in a comfortable state while they were showing the animated video.

Ever since I talked to her about puberty and menstruation, she feels comfortable talking to me, asking me any of her doubts. And that’s what I always wished for. To have trust and openness in our relationship. Now I know that she is not ignorant about it. So, here I am sharing 5 basic points that can help you in opening a conversation about puberty with your daughter.

• Talk early: Don’t wait for her to get her first period to explain her about it. Start beforehand. Prepare her for it. If they are unaware of what’s happening, girls can be frightened. Don’t wait for your child to come to you with questions about his or her changing body — that day may never arrive, especially if your child doesn’t know it’s OK to talk to you about this sensitive topic.

 

• Sound natural: Another very important. Be as much natural as you can while talking about it. Never give them a feeling that this is something scary or unusual. The more we sound relaxed to them, the better they will accept it.

 

• Share your example: I always believe in sharing my personal experience. This puts the child in a comfortable state that they are not the only one going through it. I told her about my first experience, how my mom talked to me about it. And also, that every girl goes through this. And every mom has to explain this exactly the way I am explaining it to her. I also assured her that she can ask me as many questions as she wants, and I will try my best to answers them.

 

• Start with what they know: Yes. Ask them what they know about it. Sometimes, they know a little through their friends. Then you can build your conversation on those lines and extend it.  

 

• Don’t tell everything in one go: Many times, we give them too much information in one go. Don’t overfill their brain. Understand, this is a piece of new information to them, and it is way more fascinating than they thought. Let them channel one bit at a time. Let them digest the first bit, let them come up with any questions and then move on to the second bit.

 

When talking to kids about puberty, it’s important to be reassuring. Puberty brings about so many changes that it’s easy for kids to feel insecure and alone. They also should know that the timing of these changes can vary greatly. Acne, mood changes, growth spurts, and hormonal changes — it’s all part of growing up and everyone goes through it, but not always at the same pace. Let your child know that you’re available any time to talk. But it’s also important to initiate conversations, too. As a parent, it’s your job to try to discuss puberty — and the feelings associated with those changes — as openly as possible. This can be easier if you’re confident that you know the subject matter. If you’re not entirely comfortable having a conversation about puberty, practice what you want to say first. I believe if we let our child know that it may be a little uncomfortable to discuss, but it’s an important talk to have then the process will become pretty smooth.

Please share what you want to say about this topic. How did you explain about puberty to your daughter?

Till then, happy parenting!!