KidsHealth.org is the #1 website
devoted to children’s health in
English & Spanish
1 million+ visits a day
PINK LOCKER SOCIETY
book series
Four books - for ages 8 and up
What can parents do?
Listen
Observe
Reach out
Listen
Is there more to what your child
is saying?
Observe
Can you learn anything by
watching your child at a sports
practice or party?
Reach out
Can you approach them in a
way that won’t shut them
down?
3 ideas for reaching out
Pick up on cues: If your daughter wanders into the bra
department, there’s likely a reason
Consider alternative means of communication: Many kids say
they’d rather text, write a note about a problem.
Anticipate: No one likes to rush things, but your children will be
glad that you provided information about the stuff they don’t
understand – and that everyone is talking about.
Puberty checklist
O Be informed yourself
O Find multiple ways of communicating
O Do not tease or embarrass
O Keep confidences
Be informed
Puberty starting slightly earlier
BOYS
O Between 9 and 14
GIRLS
O Between 8 and 13
O First period: Most around 12-13
O First period can arrive as early as 9 and as old as 16.
Be informed
O Consider norms – leg shaving, types of bras,
deodorant, boxers?
Find multiple ways of
communicating
O Appropriate websites – KidsHealth, Pink
Locker Society, Brainpop,
O Books
O Multiple conversations
O Keep it light and positive and consider
privacy.
Book recommendations
No teasing or embarrassing
O It’s natural, but avoid it.
O Teasing sends the message that you do not
take them or their problems seriously
O Strive to keep confidences and be sensitive
about sharing with opposite gender parent,
siblings, grandparents etc.
Confidence:
How Parents
Can Help
O Be in tune with your child, know their
struggles.
O Expand your idea of “achievement.” (Let
your child lead.)
O Help kids and teens set the right goals.
True achievement builds confidence.
•Underwent years of
treatment
•Day-in, day-out dealing
with a front-and-center
difference
•Developed a desire to
explain and promote
understanding
•Bullied
•Changed
schools
•Struggled to fit
in
With Meryl
And Lady Gaga
Emily with Mom and Dad
Evan and his Mom