Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Apr 21: A recent US study reveals a significant split among parents regarding the most appropriate age to initiate conversations about puberty with their children. While the vast majority of parents agree on the importance of these discussions, the optimal timing and approach remain a point of contention.
The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health highlighted that choosing the right age to discuss bodily changes and deciding whether to explain sex are among the most common hurdles for parents navigating this sensitive topic.
“It’s easy to assume a child is too young for conversations about puberty, but many parents are surprised to find their tween already showing signs of puberty or asking unexpected questions about body changes,” noted Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark.
Clark emphasized the benefits of early conversations, stating that they provide parents with an opportunity to frame the information in an age-appropriate manner and prepare children for what to expect, thereby mitigating potential confusion or anxiety. She cautioned that if parents fail to initiate these dialogues, children may seek information from less reliable sources such as classmates, social media, or television.
The poll captured a diverse range of parental approaches, concerns, and shortcomings in preparing their pre-teens for this significant developmental stage. Approximately half of the parents described their approach as proactive, while two in five reported discussing puberty only when their child initiated the conversation. A further 5 percent admitted to avoiding the topic altogether.
Notably, one in five parents expressed concerns about feeling embarrassed during these discussions, and one in six worried about saying the wrong thing. Among parents of children aged 10-12, a quarter indicated that their child was unwilling to talk about puberty. This hesitancy was even more pronounced among parents of children aged 7-9, with nearly a third believing their child was too young to grasp the concepts.
Clark suggested that some of this reluctance might stem from parents' own upbringing. “Whether they realise it or not parents may bring their own experiences into their parenting approach,” she explained. “Many parents said they had little or no discussion of puberty when they were young. If puberty was treated as an awkward or embarrassing subject growing up, that can make it harder to know how to begin.”
Another prevalent challenge for parents was determining whether, when, and how extensively to discuss sex and reproduction.
“Early conversations should focus on making kids aware that they will experience physical and emotional changes, and reassuring them that those changes are normal. Discussions about sex can occur over time,” advised Clark.
The study also revealed that many children had already inquired about their own bodies, their parents' bodies, or other puberty-related topics.
“Ongoing, supportive discussions are also key as children grow and encounter new phases of puberty,” Clark concluded, underscoring the importance of continuous communication.