Helping children navigate puberty is an essential responsibility for parents. This stage is a crucial period in a child's life when they experience significant physical and emotional changes. These changes often leave children feeling confused and overwhelmed. 

As a parent, it is important to provide the right support to help your child go through this phase smoothly. Let’s explore these useful tips!

What Is Puberty?

Puberty is the phase when a child begins to experience physical, psychological, and emotional changes as they transition into adulthood. This process typically starts between ages 8 to 13 for girls and 9 to 14 for boys, although the exact timing may vary.

Puberty is triggered by hormones that drive physical development, such as body shape changes and reproductive organ growth. Besides physical changes, puberty also involves emotional changes, such as increased anxiety about appearance.

When facing this phase, children may feel confused or overwhelmed by the changes happening to them. Therefore, as a parent, understanding how to help children navigate puberty is crucial to ensuring they transition through this stage smoothly.

How Can Parents Help Children Navigate Puberty?

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their children through puberty. During this phase, children begin experiencing changes they may not fully understand. Here are some effective tips to help them navigate puberty:

1. Be a Good Listener

One of the best ways to help children through puberty is by being a good listener. During this stage, children often have many questions or concerns about what they are experiencing.

Be an attentive listener and answer their questions with patience. Listen without judgment and provide a safe space for them to express themselves.

2. Help Children Accept Physical Changes

One of the biggest challenges during puberty is accepting physical changes. Help your child understand that these changes are a normal part of growth and that everyone goes through them. By providing this understanding, children will find it easier to accept their bodily changes.

3. Explain Acne Problems

Acne is a common skin issue that teenagers face during puberty due to hormonal changes, which can lead to excess oil production and breakouts.

Teach your child the importance of skincare and provide suitable skincare products based on their skin type.

4. Teach the Importance of Personal Hygiene

Another important tip for navigating puberty is maintaining personal hygiene. Hormonal changes can lead to increased sweating and body odor, making hygiene an essential topic to discuss with children.

Encourage daily showers, using deodorant, and regularly changing underwear to maintain cleanliness and comfort.

5. Provide Education on Sexuality

One of the most important aspects of puberty is providing the right education about sexuality. Engage your child in open discussions about topics such as menstruation and other aspects of sexual development. Ensure they feel comfortable asking questions about these subjects.

6. Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

Teach your child to adopt a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, nutritious eating habits, and adequate sleep. A healthy lifestyle and physical activity can help reduce stress and improve mood.

7. Support Their Interests and Hobbies

Supporting your child’s interests and hobbies is another crucial tip for navigating puberty. Allow them to explore their passions, whether in arts, music, or other activities. Encouraging their interests will help boost their confidence and personal growth.

8. Provide Emotional Support

Puberty can be an emotionally intense period for children. Offer consistent emotional support and assure them that you are always there to listen to whatever they are feeling.

9. Respect Their Privacy

As children enter puberty, it is natural for them to seek more privacy. Respect their need for personal space and allow them the freedom to express themselves. By doing so, children will feel valued and trusted in their journey toward independence.

Ready to Help Your Child Navigate Puberty?

Navigating puberty can be a challenging experience for children, parents, and even teachers. However, with the right support, children can go through this phase smoothly.

Sampoerna Academy understands the crucial role that teachers play in guiding students through puberty by providing attention and full support. Additionally, Sampoerna Academy offers dedicated student support services to assist with mental and emotional well-being. If your child needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Sampoerna Academy’s support team.

With a safe learning environment and a high-quality STEAM-based curriculum, Sampoerna Academy is committed to supporting children’s holistic development through collaborative learning that focuses on both academics and mental well-being.

To enhance this initiative, Sampoerna Academy also offers various extracurricular activities to help students explore and develop their interests optimally. Sampoerna Academy ensures your child receives the best education and full support for their needs.