|
|
  Around the fourth grade some kids may be starting puberty. Others will see their peers developing, and start wondering about themselves. Children may be confused or even worried by the sudden changes their bodies begin to go through as they reach puberty. This is a good time to explain the emotional and physical changes boys and girls go through as they grow. This means talking about things like growing hair, changing voices and new feelings. Asking your kids what they know about sex and puberty is a good place to start. You may be surprised by how much they have already heard—including how much misinformation they may have! By this age, your child should know the names of body parts and the basics of sexual reproduction and development. Talking with your kids about both their current stage of development and the next stage will help prepare them about what changes to expect as they grow. Most 8-year-old girls are old enough to learn about menstruation, just as most boys this age are ready to learn about how their body will change. This age is a good time to stress the importance of respecting others as a way to build healthy friendships and relationships. You might want to also include the importance of respecting peoples' personal space by reintroducing the concept of setting personal boundaries. If your child hasn't started asking questions about sex, you can look for a good opportunity to bring it up. Say, for instance, the mother of an 8-year-old's best friend is pregnant. You can say, "Did you notice that David's mommy's tummy is getting bigger? That's because she's going to have a baby and she's carrying it inside her. Do you know how the baby got inside her?" then let the conversation move from there. |
|
||||||
Home - Welcome - Before You Talk - Sex - Violence - Drugs - Respect - Media Talk - Resources - About Us © 2001 Copyright Nickelodeon |
