Many parents find puberty a difficult time too. As children grow up, their desire for independence, combined with wild mood swings caused by hormones, can make for a volatile home environment.
If there are disagreements, try to stay calm. Establish rules about safety and try to allow the child space to develop. Encourage the child to show you through their actions that they are responsible and can take care of themselves.
Children may ask different questions of different people in their lives. And different opportunities for discussion may arise when children are with different people. Your child may ask your partner one thing and you another. Your child may talk to you about most things, but also ask questions of another trusted adult. If your child has older siblings or other family members, your child may talk to them about their questions, too. Ultimately, our children benefit from learning different points of view, and from the closeness formed by talking openly about sexual health issues.
If there are disagreements, try to stay calm. Establish rules about safety and try to allow the child space to develop. Encourage the child to show you through their actions that they are responsible and can take care of themselves.
Children may ask different questions of different people in their lives. And different opportunities for discussion may arise when children are with different people. Your child may ask your partner one thing and you another. Your child may talk to you about most things, but also ask questions of another trusted adult. If your child has older siblings or other family members, your child may talk to them about their questions, too. Ultimately, our children benefit from learning different points of view, and from the closeness formed by talking openly about sexual health issues.