One question parents ask a lot is how to introduce puberty and sex to their children.

𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁.

Puberty is a time of rapid changes for our children. For the boys we hear their voice deepen, and they begin to experience wet dreams. For the girls their  breasts grow and their periods come in. For both sexes acne, hair in their private areas and attraction for the opposite sex become the norm.

To prepare them the following will help;

1. Get Knowledge: Even though you have gone through Puberty yourself it’s important you understand how to pass on knowledge so equip yourself. There are lots of great resources for parents and children on this topic.

2. Start early: Your  first discussion with your daughter for instance should not be when she sees her first period. It should come earlier…I would recommend that by the age of 8 you should have discussed some stuff about sex and puberty.

3. Be relaxed:  I know this may not be a comfy discussion for both parties…so relax and  try not to be tense. Try breaking the ice by sharing your experience with puberty.

4. Find out what they know: ..a good way to start your discussion is by asking them what they know. This is particularly helpful when talking about sex…ask them what they know and then correct any incorrect information. You will be shocked.

5. Get them resources: Get books for your children that will help them deal with unasked questions. You could also read these books with them to help stir up more discussion. A good one is “The Ultimate Girl’s Body Book” which I got from @learningworld.ng.

6. Don’t  stop: It’s not a one time discussion. See it as continuous education that changes with age. Also encourage them to ask whatever so they don’t go asking the wrong person.

𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧?

𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝/𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐱?

 In my case my mum spoke to me just before I went off to Secondary school and it helped!