Tips to answer 4 awkward teen questions
The mind of a youngster is always brimming with questions. While their questions are mostly interesting and fun to answer, there are instances when they ask awkward questions that end up embarrassing the parents. However, putting them off isn’t also an option because this push them to look for these answers at the wrong places. So, the best option is to try and answer youngsters’ questions as honestly as possible. Here are 4 teen topics that you may find embarrassing to talk about. We tell you how to handle them in the right manner.
Puberty
When infants start to crawl, parents can’t wait to see them walk or hear them utter words for the first time. But, before they realize, these kids hit puberty, a phase when their body undergoes hormonal and bodily changes. During this transitional stage, youngsters discover unwanted hair sprouting in regions other than their head, get confused and turn to their parents for answers. The honest answer is usually the simplest and most convenient one, explain to them that these are all part of growing up and they should be receptive of it all.
Period cycles
Puberty for boys and girls are different. While both the sexes struggle with puberty, girls undergo a different and more significant journey altogether. Puberty for your daughter means it’s time for mothers to give them a pep talk about the impending menstrual cycle. This is a sensitive task as mothers need to carefully explain the changes that their daughters might observe in their bodies. It is usually better to start with the very basics. Explain the hygiene part of it and then gradually move on to the details. The trick is to take time with them and not bombard them with too much information, as it might overwhelm them. Tell your daughter that it’s nature’s way of cleansing and strengthening their bodies as they slowly grow into women.
Sanitary products
When daughters start understanding menstruation and what they need to do about it, it is usually a piece of cake to explain to them how pads, tampons and menstrual cups should be used. But what parents often do not anticipate is their sons’ curiosity surrounding women’s sanitary products. In such a situation, they can either choose to sit them down and explain the process (this is usually helpful if they also have a growing daughter alongside, as siblings tend to be more compassionate towards one another) or choose the smarter option, i.e., to tell them that just like boys require extra padding while playing sports to protect their genitals, similarly, girls do the same during a few days each month. This should keep them satisfied for long.
Teenage infatuation
If your youngsters are at that stage where they not only start noticing the other gender but also feel attracted to them, it’s time for parents to have a talk with them. Don’t be judgmental or overprotective. Also, prohibiting them from advancing towards their desired path isn’t the right approach. This will only make matters worse. However, giving too much freedom is also not the right way forward. This is when parents need to teach their teens to behave with dignity and treat the other sex with utmost respect and affection. Explain to them that feeling attracted is a natural part of growing up but one shouldn’t overindulge.