Wellbeing @ MPS

Supporting Your Child Through Puberty: A Guide for Parents

Dear Families,

As your child grows, so does their curiosity about the changes happening in their body and those of their peers. Puberty is a natural part of growing up, and while it can feel like an awkward or sensitive topic, starting open and age-appropriate conversations early helps children feel informed, confident, and supported.

When Should We Start Talking About Puberty?

Children typically begin puberty anywhere between 8 and 13 years of age, though some may experience changes earlier or later. Experts recommend starting conversations before puberty begins—around age 8 or 9—so children know what to expect and don’t feel alarmed when changes occur.

You don't need to cover everything at once. Short, ongoing conversations are often more effective than a single "big talk."

What Should We Talk About?

Topics can include:

Physical changes
Emotional changes and mood shifts
Body hygiene and self-care
Respecting personal boundaries and privacy
That everyone develops at their own pace—there is no "normal" timeline

Helpful Resources

There are many excellent books and websites that can help guide conversations. Here are a few recommended starting points:

Books

• The Parents’ Guide to Puberty by Michelle Mitchell

• Girls' Stuff: Your Full-on Guide to the Teen Years by Kaz Cooke

• Secret Boys’ Business and Secret Girls’ Business series by Fay Angelo, Heather Anderson & Rose Stewart

• The Puberty Book by Wendy Darvill & Kelsey Powell

Websites

Tips for Parents

Create a safe space by being calm and non-judgmental.
Answer questions honestly, even if briefly, and follow up later if needed.
Use car rides, books, or shows as conversation starters.
Let them know they can come to you with questions any time.

School Support

Our Grade 6 students participate in a puberty ed information workshop each year, as part of our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum.

MPS will be hosting a Puberty - Parent/Carer Information Session, which will be run by the team at The Human Development Workshop.

The session will focus on our current experiences with Years 3 - 6 students’ knowledge and questions about ‘tricky’ topics. The session will look at the developmental changes and abilities at this age, share strategies for talking to your child and protecting them from inappropriate online content.

Event details can be seen below:

What: Puberty – Parent/Carer Information Session

When: Thursday, 15th of May

Time: 6:00 – 7:30pm in The Discovery Centre (where

assemblies are held)

Tickets: $8 each and can be purchased here or at the link below.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1399048

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s growth—not just academically, but emotionally and socially too.

Margarita and Ady