Talking to children about puberty is important. But when and how to start a conversation, this is a gray zone for many parents. The new poll looked at the problems faced by parents about “spoken talk” with their children. If you start talking
According to Michigan Health University CS Mott National Children’s Children’s Hospital, some common problems faced by parents: choosing the right age to talk about changes in the body of their children as well as sex education. The poll showed that the parents were equally broken, thinking that it is better to start talking about puberty up to 10 years old, at the age of 10, or when children are older.“It is easy to assume that the child is too young to talk about puberty, but many parents are surprised to find that their Tween already shows signs of puberty or asking unexpected questions about body changes. The start of the conversation early gives the parents the opportunity to form a message at the appropriate age and help children know what to expect, so they are not confused or concerned. If parents do not open the door for these conversations, children can get their information elsewhere, such as classmates, social media, or what they see on TV, “-stan Mott Alter Sarah Clark, MPHsaid in a statement. Polls also found types of approaches, hassle and gaps that parents have in their twin for this main stage of development. About half of the parents said their approach to the interview was “active”. Two fives were only a conversation when asked. Surprisingly, 5% of parents generally avoided talking. Every fifth father was worried about feeling uncomfortable about the conversation. Every six said they are concerned about what they say wrong. Among the parents of children aged 10-12, a quarter stated that their child did not want to talk about puberty. The parents of those who are 7-9 years old, almost a third, believed that the children were too young to understand. What to talk
During the conversation about puberty, almost half of the parents shared puberty with their children. Less than a third of their parents shared that they had a conversation about puberty with their children. However, more than a third of their parents found that their parents never talked to them. “Whether or not they understand it, parents can bring their own experience to their upbringing. Many parents said they had little or no discussion of puberty when they were young. If puberty was considered as uncomfortable or awkward, it can complicate how to start, “Clark said.How much to talk about puberty
Source: National Survey Children’s Hospital CS Mott Ant Healthren, 2025.
The poll showed that parents have some common problems, such as when and how much to talk about sex and reproduction.“Early conversations should focus on the children realize that they would experience physical and emotional changes, and assure them that these changes are normal. Discussions about sex can happen over time, ”Clark said.Clark also recommended that parents look for resources such as upbringing books on how to talk to children. Annual reviews can also be a good opportunity for both parents and children to find out about sexual mature changes and ask a doctor’s questions.Recognizing the signs of pubertyThe poll showed that about half of the parents were convinced that they could recognize the signs of puberty in their children. 60% of parents of children aged 10-12 years and 17% of parents of children aged 7-9 were able to notice these changes. However, less than a third of the parents were not confident what changes to look for.
Some parents said their children asked about their bodies, parents’ bodies or other puberty topics. Clark added that parents should be open for discussion when such moments arise. For example, when a child asks questions about puberty. “The position is not only in physical changes – it is also a time of emotional breakdowns that can make an open communication difficult. Many of Twens feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable to talk to parents about these changes. To ease the discomfort, some parents can give the child a book or video about puberty and allow the child to study this topic privately. Often this leads to an additional discussion with parents, ”Clark added.
