A major task (and challenge) for 9-14 year olds is to adjust to their physically and sexually maturing bodies.  While the physical development isn’t different than it was 30-40 years ago, how tweens and parents learn about puberty has changed.

Be an eParent®! Bookmark informational websites on puberty (such as those listed below) on your home computer or tablet and share them with your child as a good place to get factual information about their physical and sexual changes.

Kids need fact-based information about puberty.  Your son or daughter is still likely to “learn” a great deal from their friends, but you are still their best resource to understand their changing body.  Your child may be embarrassed to talk about puberty (and you may be, too!).  To avoid misinformation, talk about physical and sexual changes, such as acne, menstruation and erections, early and often with your child.  Before having a conversation with your child, think about what you might need to know and what your child might need to know.  Use reliable resources from university Extension, hospitals, or public health to prepare.  The best gift you can give your child is the security of knowing they can have an open conversation with you about their physical changes.

You may want to share the Children’s Hospital of WI website on growth and development with your child or check out Go Ask Alice for the questions you or your older tween have.

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Revised November 2018