• Some puberty changes happen as early as age nine so it is important to be talking about these changes with your child. Children of this age worry about being "normal". They want reassurance that whatever is happening or not yet happening with their bodies is okay. It is important to explain the biological changes but it is equally important to spend time discussing changing feelings and relationships.

• Be sure your child has a clear understanding of sex and reproduction. Children hear lots of myths and half truths from their friends, so it is up to you to provide them with the accurate facts.

• Find out what is being taught at school and be willing to follow up with more information or clarification.

• Demystify the opposite gender. Don’t just teach girls about menstruation and boys about wet dreams. They need to know that both boys and girls go through many changes during this time.

• This is the age to begin providing information about birth control and protection from sexually transmitted diseases. Information does not imply that you think they are ready to have sex.

Birth thru Two

Three thru Five

Six thru Eight

Thirteen & Up

In General