BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Parenting Your Teen: Understanding Important Health Issues

Objectives Understand the physical changes of boys during puberty Understand the physical changes of girls during puberty Coping With Change Supporting Your Teen’s Mental Health Emphasize Physical Health Are you an approachable parent? A Teen’s Perspective

What Changes to Expect During Puberty Weight Height Body Hair Voice (boys) Skin (Acne) Sexual organs, external and internal Emotional Changes

How Boys Change Growth spurts occur on average between 13 and 14 Develop larger muscles and broader shoulders Ears, hands and feet will grow larger Penis and scrotum grow around 12 years old Testicles may become sensitive Breasts may become sensitive – even in boys Experience more frequent erections, ejaculations and "wet dreams“ Hair on underarms, genital area.

How Girls Change Growth spurts beginning around age 11 are more common now Growth includes more developed breasts, wider hips and narrower waists – though it does depends on body type Menstruation begins around age 13 (sometimes sooner, sometimes later) The onset of menstruation also influenced by weight. Slight vaginal discharge may begin before or after onset of menstruation The first few cycles are irregular, but become regular over time. Some girls get cramps and irritability and are also driven by hormones. It should not be assumed that all periods include cramping. Hair on underarms and genital area.

Coping With Change Attitude Expectations Communication Information Support Respect Privacy

Support Your Teen’s Mental Health Encourage them to ask lots of questions. Offer then more information about puberty in books, on the Web, or even and adult friend they trust. Teach respect for their body. Acceptance – particularly for girls is key for healthy emotional development and self-esteem. Observe emotional changes – get them help if needed. Websites such as and offer advice for teens on topics such as drugs & alcohol, mental & physical health, sexual activity, etc.

Emphasize Physical Health No Smoking No drug and alcohol use Good Nutrition  Dieting smart – watch for signs of eating disorders or excessive use of supplements. Get Exercise No sexual activity

Are you an approachable parent? Love and respect your teen. Try not to over react to every situation. Communicate openly without being a know-it-all. Listen, listen, listen. Take all questions seriously. Monkey see monkey do. Admit your mistakes too. Face your own fears about discussing sexuality. offers insight on raising a healthy teen.

A Teen’s Perspective In the here & now: teens tend to not care about the aftermath about their health choices  Educate your teen so they understand the repercussions of their actions  Ex: poor eating habits, drugs & alcohol, lack of physical exercise Peer influence:  While “peer pressure” may not be as important as parents tend to think, teens can be influenced into making poor health choices simply by seeing their crowd of friends partaking in activities such as drugs, alcohol, and unhealthy eating.  It’s important to talk to your teen about resisting these temptations when their group of friends are indulging.  Try to avoid the phrase ‘peer pressure’: teens are so used to hearing that phrase, so it becomes played out. Keep open lines of communication:  if your teen trusts you, they will be more willing to be honest with you.  Bartering: not the same as making bribes, you each compromise to get what you want

BALANCING LIFE’S ISSUES Parenting Your Teen: Understanding Important Health Issues