Role of Parents in Child’s Puberty
Puberty is a transition from child to adult. This transition brings a lot of changes to the child as well as parents. Puberty includes physical, sexual, hormonal, social and emotional changes. They need the best to support them with these changes. There are many ways to help your child with puberty, but the best way is to provide reassurance.
As a parent or guardian of your child, you are in the perfect position to help them through this situation.
What happens during Puberty?
Attaining Puberty is a part of natural changes that every child goes through. Puberty in girls occurs between the ages range from 9 to 14.
No one can predict your child’s puberty period. Some environmental, social, genetic and nutritional factors will decide the onset of puberty and how long it lasts.
Puberty involves major symptoms as,
· Breast development.
· Growth spurt.
· Growth of hair in the pubic area and the axillary areas too.
· Menstruation or a period.
Puberty includes not only physical changes but also social and emotional changes.
Precocious Puberty:
Some children will attain their puberty too early between the ages of 6 and 9. This is referred to as Precocious Puberty. Precocious Puberty makes them feel different from their peers. They might have the risk of experiencing mental depression.
Delayed Puberty:
Lack of physical signs of sexual maturity at the usual age range can be referred to as Delayed Puberty. It can be diagnosed and treated easily. But, this may affect your child psychologically. They need utmost care and proper parenting.
7 Things Parents Should Do:
1. Acknowledge their feelings:
During puberty, their emotions and feelings may become stronger and intense. The brain strengthens parts that allow you to feel these intense and complex emotions during puberty. This may let them not to cope up with these emotions, makes them out of control. During this situation pay attention and try to acknowledge their feelings.
2. Help them understand what they are going through:
Prepare her for the first period, by providing proper hygienic sanitary napkins and guiding her on how to use napkins. Talk to your child earlier about the physical changes that will happen for her during puberty.
3. Make sure your availability for their needs:
Let them process their feelings by themselves, but be available when needed. Be a good motivation for your child. Try to impose the excitement of puberty.
4. Supporting them with solving their problems:
Try to analyse where your child is struggling to be an individual. Help them with exposing her individuality. Support them with solving their problems, but not to jump in.
5. Encouraging and appreciating:
Appreciate them for their achievements and encourage their efforts. Praise more for their positive behaviours. This will help them with their self — expression.
6. Lighten their feelings:
Stay calm with her outbursts. Give her time to cool down and then find the right time to discuss her problems. Try to collaborate with her to express her feelings and lighten her moods.
7. Take care of their health:
Give utmost care for their healthy diet, which mainly supports hormonal changes during puberty. Ensure that they follow healthy sleeping routines.
