Explaining puberty to your child can be fraught with awkwardness, embarrassment and confusion, both for you and your child. You can prepare to talk with your child by practicing what you will say, seeking advice from your child's pediatrician or talking to other parents who have talked with their children. Although the process might not be easy, it is important that your child receives this information from you and believes that he can turn to you for information.
Step 1
Brush up on the process and details of puberty before beginning a discussion with your child as she might have questions for you. Children often ask surprising questions, so it is best to be prepared. Consult a book, a reputable website or your child's pediatrician to get information about changes to expect at puberty.
Step 2
Begin a discussion about puberty before your child begins entering puberty. Girls and boys enter puberty at somewhat different times, with girls reaching puberty sometime between 8 and 13 and boys between 10 and 15. Since your child might be an early bloomer, it is a good idea to start the discussion before age 8.
Step 3
Describe the changes that will occur during your discussion. Focus on the physical changes that will unfold in the coming years. If you are talking to your daughter, discuss the fact that her breasts and pubic hair will begin to grow, that she will begin menstruating and that her hips will widen. If you are talking to your son, discuss the fact that he will start seeing pubic and facial hair, that he will begin to have erections and wet dreams. A boy's voice also will change and eventually deepen. Both boys and girls might get acne or have underarm odor as they enter puberty.
Step 4
Explain that everyone matures at different rates and that everyone's physical features, such as breast or penis size, will vary. Children can become anxious when they are not maturing at the same rate as their peers: Girls might worry that their breasts are not as large or larger than those of other girls; boys might worry that they seem less masculine than their peers.
Step 5
Discuss the emotional changes that often come with the territory of hitting puberty. Because the process is regulated by hormones, teens commonly experience mood swings. Offer reassurance that it's all normal. Relate to your child stories of your own puberty and experiences, if you feel comfortable.
Step 6
Be open to questions. Encourage your child to talk to you about anything and to ask questions whenever he feels the need, no matter how embarrassed he might feel. Answer questions honestly, even if you feel a little awkward doing so.
