Facts + feelings + safety
Sexual Development & Puberty
Start small, keep conversations rolling, and connect kids with trusted medical info so body changes feel normal instead of scary.
Quick Wins
Daily anchors for familiesBody Book Basket
Keep inclusive puberty guides in the living room so kids can browse privately.
Real Word Practice
Use correct anatomy terms during bath time or doctor-role play.
Question Parking Lot
Create a shared note or box where kids can drop anonymous questions for weekly chats.
Focus Areas
Blend routines, play, and reflection
Body Literacy
Understanding anatomy and function reduces anxiety and misinformation.
- •Name reproductive organs the same way you name elbows and knees.
- •Discuss menstruation, ejaculation, and hormonal changes before they begin.
- •Explain that puberty timelines vary widely and compare only to oneself.
Consent & Boundaries
Safety starts with respecting personal space and recognizing red flags.
- •Teach kids they can decline hugs and offer alternatives.
- •Practice scripts for leaving uncomfortable situations.
- •Review digital consent: no sharing photos, passwords, or private info.
Whole-Person Wellness
Puberty brings emotional, social, and mental shifts.
- •Normalize mood swings and help identify coping tools.
- •Keep sleep, nutrition, and movement steady to support hormones.
- •Connect tweens with doctors or counselors if questions exceed your expertise.
Milestone Snapshots
Use these ranges to guide questions for well-child visits.
Before Puberty
- ▹Kids learn correct anatomy names and basic reproduction facts.
- ▹Understands public vs. private behavior and safe/unsafe touch.
- ▹Begins to notice body odor or growth spurts in peers.
Early Puberty
- ▹Breast budding or testicular enlargement begins, sometimes as early as 8-9.
- ▹Growth spurts, acne, body hair, and voice changes emerge.
- ▹Menstruation typically starts 2-3 years after breast development.
Later Puberty
- ▹Cycles and erections become more predictable.
- ▹Teens explore attraction, identity, and relationships.
- ▹Critical time to reinforce consent, contraception basics, and STI prevention.
Conversation Starters
Try these prompts in the car, at bedtime, or during snacks to keep dialogue open.
“What have you heard about puberty that feels confusing?”
Opens the door for myth-busting.
“How would you support a friend who feels embarrassed about body changes?”
Builds empathy and allyship.
“What boundaries help you feel safe online and offline?”
Links safety to real scenarios.
Resource Boosters
Pair guidance from your pediatrician with these supportive touchpoints.