Am I Normal? By: Ellen Sanchez, Human Development Consultant

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Am I Normal? By: Ellen Sanchez, Human Development Consultant

Am I normal?

By Ellen Sanchez, Human Development Consultant

When approaching the time of body changes and the onset of puberty, the number one question on children’s minds is, “Am I normal?” For 8 -12 year olds, the changes in their own bodies and those they see around them provide a full menu of questions, concerns, fears and confusion. For this reason, talking about bodies and how they change should begin, at the latest, by the time children are 7 or 8.

The goal is to offer children honest and accurate information BEFORE they experience the changes of puberty, so they know what to expect and have a chance to think through strategies for managing those changes, both physical and emotional.   By doing so, we can help make the experience a positive one, an exciting metamorphosis from child to young adult, and one that encourages confidence and provides opportunities for learning how to keep their bodies healthy and themselves happy.

It’s best when the conversations about bodies include settings with their peers. Having these discussions in the classroom is ideal, as the teacher facilitating can set the tone for acceptance of differences that can prevent hurtful teasing about this sensitive topic.

What do we want to communicate?

Everyone grows at their own pace, at exactly the right time for them. Each person has their own body clock that will start the changes when it’s right for that person and move through puberty at just the right pace for that individual.

There are many books that can help get the conversation started and provide the vocabulary that’s right for the age group. Here’s a short list of a few I rely on:

Ages 3-7

Amazing You! by Gail Saltz

What’s the Big Secret? by Laurie Krasny Brown

It’s so Amazing! by Robbie H. Harris

Ages 8-12

What’s Happening to My Body for Girls, by Lynda Madaras

What’s Happening to My Body for Boys, by Lynda Madaras

It’s Perfectly Normal, by Robbie Harris

By |November 8th, 2016|Categories: Uncategorized|Comments Off on Am I Normal? By: Ellen Sanchez, Human Development Consultant