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Your child needs a little child-to-adolescent guidance as much as you do. Preparing for adolescence is a helpful step to take some of the mystery out of the transition. The way to do this is through information, for you as a parent and for your emerging adolescent. These years, from 9 to 13, are a time of tremendous change for your child, physically and emotionally. Hormones are kicking in and playing tricks on once-familiar bodies. Puberty arrives and brings with it rampant insecurities, as bodies change at different rates, and comparison to peers is constant. Your even-tempered, formerly sweet child may be experiencing mood swings and feelings they have never had before. Preparing for adolescence means educating yourself about what is going on inside your child and then passing on that knowledge to them, along with coping skills and tips on how to handle the changes that are taking place. Without you to guide them, they are just as baffled as you are (except you have been through this yourself, and it is good to remember your own past difficulties and bring that understanding to the table.) If things get tough, take to heart the words of Leo Buscaglia:
Knowledge is power, and armed with the facts, you will both get through this time secure in the belief that adolescence isn’t terminal after all!
The following articles offer more topics of interest about the adolescent years:
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