As adolescents develop and take greater responsibility for their lives, it makes sense for them to be more engaged in their own health care. Current guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend that providers begin having one-on-one time, commonly referred to as “time alone”, with young people as early as age 11. View … Continued
Stress the importance of consent and contraceptive methods to prevent unintended pregnancies and protect against STIs and HIV during sexual activities. Discuss birth control options and stress the use of condoms and other barrier methods to all of your children. Encourage your child to evaluate their relationships; go over what a health vs. unhealthy relationship … Continued
Expect questions about puberty as your child is noticing their bodies are changing-hair growing, how girls will react as their menstrual cycle begins to form and how they can get hygiene products. Inform your child everyone’s bodies will be different as they go through puberty and to not worry if their bodies are developing at … Continued
This age is when your child will become more independent with themselves and their bodies. Be sure to promote good, healthy body image and explain their bodies will begin to change over the next couple of years through puberty and what they should expect. Continue to talk about having open communication in your house and … Continued
At this age your child’s gender identity develops so it’s important to encourage them to respect themselves and those around them. Let your child know they can come to you to talk about anything, without the fear of judgement. Teach them to know about appropriate touching and inform them on how to say “no” when … Continued
This is the age where children notice love, respect, safety, and trust between their parents, so it is important to role model a healthy relationship. This is also an age where children notice that they have body parts; it is important as a parent to use the correct terms when referring to your child’s body.
