Parenting
By Jamie T. Collins
Updated: September 17, 2020
Originally Published: September 27, 2016
Ah, puberty—just the word can send shivers down a parent’s spine. I remember my own experience with it back in the mid-‘80s vividly. It all kicked off in health class, where the seventh graders awkwardly shuffled in, separated by gender, and listened to a soft-spoken teacher discuss everything from breast buds to deodorant. We giggled uneasily at crude drawings of anatomy and learned that everyone’s body evolves at its own pace, though none of us had access to today’s instant gratification of online content—thank goodness for that!
Back then, if we were curious about our bodies, we scoured encyclopedias for images of naked tribespeople, a much more innocent endeavor. Our biggest worries? Listening to Duran Duran, prank-calling crushes, and trying to keep our bangs standing tall with hairspray. Our parents? They were more like background characters in our teenage saga, simply noticing when we needed a bra but barely engaged in the turbulent discussions that often accompany puberty.
Fast forward to today, and modern parenting is a whole different ballgame. We’re in the trenches as our kids navigate these hormonal storms, often caught off guard by the rapid changes. So, what can we expect from our sons and daughters as they hit this tumultuous stage? Well, buckle up!
Boys:
- Hungry Hippos: Get ready to witness a bottomless pit of appetite. Second dinner? Third dinner? You bet! If you find yourself buying eggs in bulk, congratulations—you’re knee-deep in puberty.
- Height Surges: One day they’re your little buddy, and the next, they’ve sprouted like a weed. I swear my son skipped three shoe sizes in six months!
- Voice Crack Central: It’s a wild ride when your son answers the phone and you think it’s your husband. Cue the awkward moments.
- Privacy, Please: They’ll start to hibernate in their rooms, only emerging for food or a ride. It’s normal—just give them their space.
- Fuzzy Faces: Watch out for those baby faces sprouting whiskers! And suddenly, they need to shave—like, yesterday.
- Tissue Hoarding: Hide your good lotions and stock up on tissues. And remember to knock before entering their rooms—always.
- Hug Drought: The day he stops hugging you will sting, but hang in there. Eventually, he’ll come around.
- Back to Toddler Speak: Expect grunts, incomplete sentences, and a lot of pointing. But when they’re around other parents? Suddenly, they’re Shakespeare.
- Risky Business: Their brains aren’t fully equipped to assess danger yet, so brace yourself for a few “what were you thinking?” moments each week.
Girls:
- Tears Galore: It’s a waterfall of emotions, often with no clear reason. Just brace yourself for the tears, because they’ll be flowing—frequently.
- Mean Girl Alert: One minute they’re sweet, and the next, you’re their punching bag. Welcome to the teen drama—where algebra is suddenly a life crisis.
- Drama Queens: If you thought your own drama was intense, just wait. Your daughter might want to join a local theater company to channel those feelings!
- Underwear Evolution: One day it’s Elsa and Anna; the next, it’s Victoria’s Secret. Talk about a shift! Thanks, marketing, for messing with my kid’s perception of cool.
- Mood Swings: Her moods will be as unpredictable as a box of chocolates. Buckle up, you never know what you’re gonna get!
- Rebellious Spirit: I’ve been there, and I get it. But when they hit the “NO” phase, it’s a whole new level of challenge. Just hang tight; they’ll find their way back.
Navigating puberty today is a whirlwind filled with surprises, emotions, and the occasional laugh. For more insights and tips on parenting through this chaotic time, check out some excellent resources like Kindbody, which offers valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination, and this post that dives deeper into the topic. Plus, if you’re looking for authoritative advice, Cryobaby has got you covered.
In summary, while the journey through puberty can feel overwhelming, it’s also an essential part of growing up. Embrace the chaos, and know that you’re not alone in the adventure!