Aging Gracefully and with Great Health

Don'T Be Afraid To Consult Your Pediatrician When Your Child Reaches Puberty

3 November 2017 by For Content

Many people view the onset of puberty as a challenging time for the adolescent, but it's important to remember that this phase can be difficult in its own way for the parents. Hopefully you'll feel comfortable talking to your child about the changes that his or her body is going through, but if you don't feel confident in doing so, you shouldn't just ignore what is happening. Instead, rely on the child's pediatrician for support. You can set up an appointment if you have specific concerns about your child reaching puberty or you just want the doctor to gently help your child through these changes. Here are some types of help that the pediatrician can provide.

Discussion of What Changes to Expect

Children will often talk with their friends about the changes that their bodies are going through. However, if your child is the first among his or her peer group to experience puberty, these changes might seem confusing and perhaps even upsetting. This can especially be true if you haven't talked to your child about it first. The pediatrician can be a valuable ally during this time by sitting with your child and talking about what to expect, what it means, and more.

Help with Acne Care

One unpleasant change that your child will often experience as a result of entering puberty is the emergence of acne. Even though many adolescents go through this phase, they can still feel embarrassed. Your family's pediatrician will explain to your child that acne is a result of hormonal changes rather than your child not being clean or bathing adequately, which is what some children mistakenly believe. The pediatrician will talk about some simple ways to deal with acne, including how to clean their face and even what foods to avoid to lessen the symptoms.

Healthy Feedback for Concerns

Often, children going through puberty will have plenty of questions. Some children will be quick to ask these questions of their parents, but others may feel embarrassed to do so. If your child isn't forthcoming about his or her puberty concerns, an appointment with a pediatrician will allow the child to pose any questions to a qualified expert and then get helpful and accurate answers. For example, an adolescent may be starting to think about sex, and the pediatrician can discuss this sensitive topic with him or her so that your child is learning things properly and not from his or her peers.

Children learn best about these issues from their own parents. However, if you feel that you need additional support, contact a pediatrician's office like ​Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP to get the help you need.

Share

Search