When it comes to knowing what your adolescent understands about puberty, it is never too late to teach them. It becomes a little more difficult to get their attention after about 11 years old, but there are still important points for them to understand.  Some schools offer limited instruction, but your child will benefit the most by learning from you.

Here are three reasons why it is best if you teach your adolescent about puberty.

1. Because you are their parent, they trust that what you are teaching them is what they need to know. Although they will likely resist your attempts to teach them, persevere. In small doses, they will get it.
2. Small talks, 10-15 minutes at a time, over several months begins a pattern of conversation that can last for many years. There are very few people your child is going to be willing to be open with about personal issues related to puberty. By initiating these small talks, you open the door for them to come to you when they have questions for themselves, or even for one of their friends.
3. There are so many topics you want to make sure your adolescent understands before they leave your home to make it on their own in life. Certainly, a clear knowledge about their reproductive system is one of the most important. Just think about the profound impact that reproductive hormones, sexual desires, and reproduction will have on their life for many years. Getting it right during puberty is a gift that only a parent can give their child, a gift that lasts a lifetime.

No matter what your experience was growing up, take advantage of this treasured time in your adolescent’s life to make a lifetime impact.