How to Talk to Your Child About Puberty: Expert Tips for Parents

In today’s Health Minute, Mandy Gaither explores an important topic many parents may find difficult to navigate—talking to their children about puberty. While it may be uncomfortable, experts stress that preparing children for puberty is not only important—it’s necessary. Children benefit greatly when they hear about these changes from their parents, not just their peers.

“Nothing is scarier than something you may not be ready for,” says Dr. Jay Lee with the American Academy of Family Physicians. He recommends a strategy known as anticipatory guidance—helping kids understand what’s coming before it happens. This proactive approach keeps children informed and helps reduce anxiety as their bodies and emotions begin to change.

Dr. Lee, drawing on more than two decades of medical experience, notes a shift in the timing of puberty, which now tends to begin earlier than in previous generations. That’s why it's crucial for parents to start the conversation early.

Begin by asking open-ended questions like:

“What have you heard about puberty?”
“Do you have any questions about how your body will change?”

This invites dialogue and gives you a chance to gently correct misinformation. Be sure to listen closely and answer honestly, explaining both the physical and emotional changes they can expect.

Importantly, normalize the experience. Let your child know that what they're going through is a natural part of growing up. Dr. Lee emphasizes that this conversation doesn’t have to revolve around sex right away. Focus first on the biology of maturing, and trust your intuition—or “spidey sense,” as Lee calls it—about when your child might be ready for a conversation about sex.

And if you’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, Lee encourages reaching out to your child’s doctor for help navigating the discussion. These conversations may feel tough at first, but handled with care, they lay the foundation for trust, understanding, and lifelong health literacy.