7 ways to support your child through puberty

However, with the appropriate parental support, it can also be a rewarding period. In order to support your young person through this new stage, here are 7 tips that will help you  open up a dialogue: 

1. Talking about puberty before it happens

Puberty brings about a number of bodily changes, such as menstruation, changing voice, hair growth, and enlarged genitalia. It's important to talk to your child about these changes before they happen, so they're not surprised when they do.  

It will also be easier for your child to come to you if they have any questions, since you've already opened the door to discussion. 

2. Normalizing masturbation

In this period of change and novelty, your teen may want to discover their sexuality and enjoyment. You can therefore discuss the fact that it's perfectly normal to masturbate, or not, and that it's important to respect your own limits and prioritize private moments to do so.  

3. Talking about consent

With their body changing, it's normal for your teen to question their own body and want to experiment with others. Puberty often heralds the first sexual experiences.  

Therefore, talking about consent is essential since it is a way to become aware of our personal limits and to learn to respect those of others. In this way, you can also raise awareness about the consequences of non-compliance with consent, which helps to prevent sexual violence. 

4. Being open to your youth's gender identity

It's normal for your child to wonder about their gender identity and to want to explore it. However, it's often reassuring for young people to be like everyone else and not to feel different.  

So it's much easier for young people to explore their identity if they feel that those around them support them in this self-discovery. Be open to discussing gender identity and learn more about the subject so that you can welcome their uniqueness.  

5. Addressing the topic of sexual orientation

Your teen might identify with the LGBTQIA+ community and have a sexual orientation that doesn't align with heteronormativity. If this is the case, it is important for them to feel supported and heard in their self-acceptance. If you're not familiar with this topic, don't hesitate to do some research to show your teen that you're there for them.  

6. Talking about contraception

Broaching the subject of contraception before your teenager becomes sexually active is a good way of preventing STIs and unwanted pregnancies. Doing so will inform them of the risks of unprotected sex, and ensure they know to ask you if they have any doubts.  

It's also important to talk to them about burden-sharing, so they know that protecting themselves is the responsibility of both partners, not just the person taking the contraception. 

7. Promoting positive and inclusive sexuality

When talking about sexuality with your child, it is important not only to talk about STBBI prevention and contraceptives. Talking about pleasure, desire, and intimacy helps your teen understand that sex is not dangerous or unhealthy, but can be fulfilling and fun.  

A parent's role in puberty

As a role model for your child, talking about these topics shows them that there's no shame in embracing their sexuality and accepting who they are. What's more, opening up the dialogue gives them the information needed for their psychosexual development.  

However, it's perfectly normal to feel uncomfortable talking to your teen about puberty. You can always refer to books on the subject and offer them to your child so that they can find answers to their questions. No matter how you inform your child, your openness to this stage of change will create a bond of trust between the two of you, and they'll be able to turn to you when they have doubts.