Puberty and Parenting: What to Expect from Your Young Adult

The timing of puberty is unique to each child. Some children begin toexperience body changes in elementary school while others do not havesignificant changes until they are older.Most adolescents are excited, yet self-conscious about body changes. Theyembarrass easily and are sensitive to teasing. Parent attitudes andcomments strongly influence how children perceive themselves. Self-esteemand body image is being shaped during these formative years. It isimportant that parents show understanding and respect for this sensitivetime in their children¶s lives.A population of girls in this age group gives in to pressure from social mediaand feel the need to be thinner. They begin to engage in the unhealthy habitof purging in order to lose weight. While boys of this age often comparethemselves with other males. Some boys feel bad because they have notgrown tall as quickly as classmates or friends.It is important for parents to reassure children that body changes are uniqueto each person, and the body is beautiful no matter its shape. Positivereinforcement helps build a solid sense of self, and serves to create acomfort level as adolescents grow into young adults.Along with being self-conscious and shy about body changes, privacy is a bigissue among this age group. Most adolescents desire privacy when dressing.Sometimes parents forget their children are growing into young adults. Manyadolescent conversations revolve around parents ³barging into rooms´ before knocking. Be supportive and respect your child¶s privacy. Get in thehabit of knocking before entering the room. Begin to realize your child is shywhen it relates to the body.Always, reassure your children that they can talk with you. Let them knowbody changes are normal, and nothing to be ashamed of. If your childrenare too embarrassed to discuss these changes with you, look to your family,school, or church for an adult they trust. Most children have questions as itrelates to the changing body. It is important that they have someone to talkwith as they grow into adulthood.Being an adolescent is more difficult than most of us remember. Think backto that time when you were under or over developed for your age. Summonup those ³cute´ nicknames some of the boys and girls in your school were