Talking to Kids About Puberty

When should you talk to your children about their changing bodies? How do you start the conversation? Le Bonheur physician Cynthia Cross, MD, offers her recommendations on how to handle the tough questions in this video below.

Cross says conversations about puberty should start around the age of 8, depending on the child's level of understanding.

"Many girls in this country are getting their periods around the age 10, so you want to start before that milestone occurs, and try to do it a relaxed fashion," she said.

Keeping it simple is important, and don't be afraid to use resources. "Sometimes pictures are helpful depending on whether your child is very visual," Cross said.

One good resource is the American Academy of Pediatrics. The Healthy Children site has lots of good information about sexuality, dating and healthy relationships. Read more here. Cross emphasizes that it's important that parents have these conversations with their children before children hear too much misinformation from their friends.

"The information that parents give should be fairly accurate whereas what kids are getting from their friends may or may not be accurate. It's a good idea to establish a factual base, and then if they hear something else they'll probably ask you about the discrepancy. Also talking with them lets them know it's OK. It's a natural process that happens to everybody, and there is nothing to be ashamed of," Cross said.