Many teenagers experience puberty at different times, but it is important to know when they are starting so you can help them cope with the changes that come with this time of life. Puberty usually starts when they enter high school, right when hormones start affecting a person’s growth and development. Home-grown changes in the body include a rapid growth spurt, a change in fat distribution, and an increase in muscle mass. This article will provide some tips on how to help your teenager through these changes!
1. Be understanding and patient.
Your teenager is going through a lot of changes both physically and emotionally, so be understanding and patient when they are going through a tough time. Puberty can be a difficult time for many adolescents, so make sure you are there for them when they need you.
2. Encourage physical activity.
Encouraging your teenager to be physically active is a great way to help them during puberty. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It can also help boost self-confidence and body image.
3. Promote positive body image.
It is important for teenagers to have a positive body image and one of the best ways to do this is to promote healthy eating habits. Eating nutritious foods will help your teenager’s body grow and develop in a healthy way. But don’t shame them if they gain or lose weight drastically. Again, this is a time of change so their bodies may look different in each passing day.
4. Talk about puberty openly.
It is important for you to talk to your teenager about puberty openly and honestly. This will help them feel comfortable asking any questions they may have. In turn, answer their questions with honesty and with scientifically-proven evidence.
5. Help them find a support group.
If your teenager is struggling with puberty, helping them find a support group can be very beneficial. This will allow them to talk to other people who are going through the same thing, and they can get advice and support from them.
6. Make sure they are getting enough sleep.
During puberty, teenagers need more sleep than usual. Ensuring that they are getting enough sleep will help them feel better both physically and emotionally. It will also help their bodies to develop normally. Lack of sleep may inhibit their growth so tell them to rest when they need to.
7. Don’t put too much pressure on them.
Puberty is a time of change, and it can be difficult for teenagers to cope with all of the changes that are happening. Try not to put too much pressure on them to do well in school or to have a perfect social life. Let them take things at their own pace.
8. Encourage them to talk about their feelings.
Many teenagers bottle up their feelings during puberty, so encourage them to talk about their feelings with you or with another trusted adult. This will help them deal with any emotional ups and downs they may be experiencing.
9. Help them develop positive relationships.
One of the best ways to help your teenager through puberty is to help them develop positive relationships with their peers. This will allow them to feel accepted and supported by their friends. Try not to keep them away from their friends as this is a normal time for them to bond through these shared feelings and body changes.
10. Talk about sex and contraception.
It is very important for you to talk to your teenager about sex and contraception. Puberty is the time when many children become curious about sex. Having the talk will help them to make informed decisions about their sexual health, no matter how difficult it may be to open the conversation.
11. Discuss puberty in a positive light.
It is important for you to discuss puberty in a positive light. This will help your teenager to feel good about the changes that are happening to them. Don’t scare them about acne, menstruation, or excessive hair growth. Instead, talk about how they are becoming adults.
12. Encourage them to talk to you if they have any problems.
If your teenager is having any problems during puberty, encourage them to talk to you about them. This will allow you to help them deal with these problems in a healthy way.
13. Encourage them to seek help if they are feeling overwhelmed.
Lastly, if your teenager is feeling overwhelmed by everything that is happening during puberty, it may be necessary to seek professional help from a counselor or therapist. This can be very beneficial in helping them to cope with the changes that are happening.
Puberty can be a difficult time for both teenagers and their parents. However, by following these tips, you can help your teenager navigate through these changes smoothly!