HELP FOR THE FAMILY/PARENTING

I am so sorry about all this. I am really showing my age, when I make these kinds of mistakes. I somehow started out on the wrong page, so had to go back and do some serious editing to correct it. Again, I am very sorry to confuse everyone. God bless you. 

WHAT YOU CAN DO 

Talk about puberty before it starts. Let your child know what to expect, especially regarding menstruation (for girls). Different from the gradual changes of puberty, those events begin suddenly and can be confusing and even frightening.  While discussing such matters, take a positive approach-that puberty initiates a beneficial makeover that paves the way for adulthood. -Bible principle: Psalm 139:14. 

Be thorough.  "When my parents gave me 'the talk,' they were evasive," recalls a young man named John.  "I wish they had been a bit more straightforward.."  Alana, 17, feels similarly.   "My mom helped me understand what was going on physically."  The lesson? As awkward it may be, talk to your child about all aspects of puberty. -Bible principle:  Acts 20:20. 

Ask questions that invite conversation.  To break the ice, talk about others' experiences with puberty.  For example, you could ask your daughter, "Have any of your classmates started talking about having periods yet? "Do kids make fun of girls who develop early?" You could ask your son, "Do kids ridiculed those who lag behind in physical development?"  When adolescents start talking about how puberty affects others, it might be easier for them to open up about their own feelings and experiences.  When they do, follow the Bible's advice:  "Be quick to listen, slow to speak." -James 1;19. 

Help adolescent develop "practical wisdom and thinking ability."  (Proverbs 3:21) Puberty is not all about physical and emotional changes. During this stage your adolescent also develops reasoning skills that will help him or her make good decisions in adulthood. Take advantage of this opportunity to instill good values in your adolescent. -Bible principle: Hebrews 5:14. 

Do not give up.  Many young people seem reluctant to talk to their parents about puberty, but do not be fooled.  "The adolescent  who pretends to be uninterested, bored, disgusted, or stone deaf maybe memorizing every word," says the book You and Your Adolescent.  

Next time: What Does the Bible Say About Anxiety? - Anxiety 

From the Awake! magazine