For many parents, the idea of having “the talk” with their kids may be daunting, making them feel embarrassed or squeamish. But many parents are conflating the classic growing-up talk about sex with another crucial conversation they should be having, new research suggests. The talk in question should happen earlier than one may think, and it’s not necessarily about sex. It’s about puberty. About 41% of parents reported they approached talking with their child about puberty only when prompted by the child, according to a new C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health released on Monday. Only 36% of parents think it’s best to start puberty conversations before age 10, according to the poll, although puberty has been starting earlier. The poll’s researchers focused on why many preteens and tweens are unprepared for the changes that they experience during puberty. “Our thinking was, how much of that (lack of preparation) might be due to how their parents are approaching the task of talking with them, helping prepare them for puberty,” said Sarah Clark, codirector of the poll and a research scientist in the department of pediatrics at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. “When we’re talking about these younger kids, 7, 8, 9, maybe even 10, as they’re just getting started with puberty, they don’t necessarily need the sex talk,” said Clark, noting that tweens and teens need a conversation about what is or will soon happen with their body and emotions. “We all tend to be a little calmer, a little less anxious, and deal with things better when we know what to expect,” she added. The Mott Poll, which was conducted in February 2025, surveyed 911 parents with at least one child ages 7–12 to understand how parents approach conversations about puberty. The margin of error is plus or minus 2 to 5 percentage points. Bring it up before your child does While many parents said they only talked with their child about puberty only when their child brought it up, Clark explained that this could lead to confusion and anxiety in children, especially if they feel their parents haven’t prepared them. Kids who develop early may become anxious not understanding changes in themselves, and late-developing kids may see some changes in their classmates and wonder, “what’s wrong with me?” Instead of parents waiting until asked by the child, Clark suggested giving your child information in bits and pieces over time “to help your kid get the concept that these changes are going to happen. They are normal.” And while nearly half of parents said they felt “very confident” in recognizing signs of puberty in their children, Clark said, “parents might be a little overconfident. Some of those first changes are subtle” — like hair growing and voices changing — and parents can’t actually see the hormonal or emotional changes. Will you or the media educate your kids? Today’s children are exposed to a flood of information — and misinformation — from online sources and their peers. Without parental guidance, children may turn to social media or their peers for answers at a time when kids may be confused and potentially self-conscious. “Not talking to them just can leave them in a little bit of a vulnerable position,” Clark said. “A lot of the norms on what was shown or talked about on TV were really different (when parents were kids) than they are today,” Clark said. “Back then, parents could maybe feel like they could protect their kid or avoid certain topics — or avoid their kid from encountering certain topics.” That’s no longer the case. Because kids can learn or hear about all sorts of topics at very young ages, parents have to be “a little more proactive,” to get ahead of the child absorbing confusing, inaccurate or harmful information, Clark said. The trickle-down effect of silence The poll found that only 31% of parents said they had received an adequate puberty education from their own parents growing up. That means many parents, without a model of how to discuss sensitive developmental changes, often default to the avoidance method they received as children. But today’s parents don’t actually need to have all the answers, Clark and other experts say. Parents just need to start having the conversation. Start talking sooner and more often About 44% of parents reported in the poll that they have not gotten any information on how to talk about puberty, but that doesn’t mean parents can’t find straightforward help. Parents should choose a quiet, one-on-one setting — a walk, a car ride or after a younger sibling goes to bed — and leave discomfort out of it, psychiatrist Dr. Neha Chaudhary suggested. “Present the information in a matter-of-fact way,” advised Chaudhary, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and chief medical officer at Modern Health, via email. “It’s important that the child knows they are not alone in this experience — that it’s a universal change. Offer the space for them to ask questions … and check in later.” Don’t wait until your child hits a growth spurt or need to use deodorant. Begin the conversation in elementary school, with basic, age-appropriate information. You can use light-hearted, teachable moments, like a movie scene or a health class unit as openings, or you can share your own experiences. “Make it kind of funny and not so intense, not so scary,” Clark suggested. “If you talk about puberty early, your child will know that the physical changes they are about to go through are normal, and something that happens to everyone,” Chaudhary said. “They might also have a chance to develop some healthy coping skills that they can practice and strengthen before their emotions start to fluctuate as a result of hormonal shifts. “If you’re waiting until middle school, it’s likely too late. By then your child might either be caught off guard by unexpected changes in their body or how they feel, or they might be noticing those changes in their friends already.” Open the door to talking Healthy, inviting communication needs to be ongoing, both Clark and Chaudhary emphasized. Kids should not be left guessing about the changes happening to them, but rather feel they have parental guidance supporting them along the way. “You want to leave the door open so kids know they can come to you,” she said. Even if you don’t know the answer, you can learn together and foster a healthy environment.
Puberty conversations are starting too late, new poll reveals
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Poll Highlights Need for Earlier Conversations About Puberty Among Parents"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
A recent poll conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health highlights a critical gap in parenting strategies regarding discussions about puberty. Findings indicate that a significant number of parents, approximately 41%, only engage in conversations about puberty when prompted by their children, revealing a reactive rather than proactive approach. Alarmingly, only 36% of parents believe discussions about puberty should start before the age of 10, despite evidence suggesting that puberty is beginning earlier in children today. Sarah Clark, co-director of the poll and a research scientist, emphasizes that parents may not realize the importance of preparing their children for the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. The research suggests that addressing these changes earlier can alleviate anxiety and confusion among children, particularly as they navigate the complexities of early development. Clark advocates for providing children with gradual information about puberty, which can help normalize the changes they will experience and foster a sense of understanding and preparedness.
Furthermore, the poll reveals that many parents feel inadequately prepared to discuss puberty due to their own experiences growing up, with only 31% reporting sufficient education on the topic from their parents. This generational gap in communication may perpetuate a cycle of avoidance and confusion. Experts suggest that parents should initiate discussions in a comfortable, casual setting, using age-appropriate language and examples to ease the discomfort surrounding these conversations. By starting early, parents can help children develop healthy coping mechanisms and a clear understanding of the changes they will face. The overarching message from health professionals is to maintain open lines of communication, encouraging children to ask questions and express their feelings as they navigate the challenges of puberty. Creating an environment where discussions about growth and change are normalized can significantly enhance children’s emotional well-being during this pivotal stage of development.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a growing concern among parents regarding the timing and nature of discussions about puberty with their children. It reveals that many parents are uncomfortable initiating these conversations and often wait for their children to bring them up. The findings suggest that this reluctance may lead to children feeling unprepared for the changes that accompany puberty.
Parental Awareness and Preparedness
The research conducted by the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital indicates that a significant number of parents only engage in discussions about puberty when prompted by their children, with only a minority recognizing the importance of initiating these conversations before the age of 10. This points to a gap in parental awareness regarding the developmental timeline of children. With puberty starting earlier than in previous generations, the need for proactive communication is more critical than ever.
Impact on Child Development
The article emphasizes the importance of preparing children for the physical and emotional changes they will experience during puberty. It cites Sarah Clark's insights, suggesting that early discussions can help alleviate anxiety and foster better coping mechanisms among children. By not addressing these topics in a timely manner, parents may inadvertently leave their children feeling isolated and confused during a pivotal stage of their development.
Societal Implications
The underlying message of the article advocates for a cultural shift towards more open and earlier conversations about puberty. By addressing this topic, the aim is to reduce stigma and embarrassment associated with discussing bodily changes and help children navigate their development with confidence. This aligns with broader societal efforts to educate youth on health and wellbeing.
Potential Manipulative Aspects
While the article presents factual data and expert opinions, one could argue that the urgency conveyed might serve to manipulate readers into feeling inadequate about their parenting. The emphasis on parental shortcomings could evoke guilt, prompting parents to act in ways that may not align with their own comfort levels or beliefs about child-rearing.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other news articles focused on child development and health education, this piece fits into a narrative of increasing parental responsibility for children's emotional and psychological wellbeing. There may be links to broader discussions on mental health in children, which are gaining traction in media and public discourse.
Community Support
This article is likely to resonate with communities that prioritize progressive parenting techniques and open discussions about health. It may appeal particularly to parents who are already engaged in conversations about mental health and emotional intelligence, as well as educators advocating for comprehensive sex education.
Economic and Political Repercussions
In terms of economic implications, increased awareness and education around puberty could foster demand for educational resources, workshops, and parenting classes. Politically, this discussion could influence policies related to health education in schools, advocating for earlier and more comprehensive programs.
Global Context
While the topic primarily addresses local parental concerns, the broader implications about youth education and health can connect to global movements advocating for better health education and gender equality. The timing of such discussions is relevant in today's context, where mental health and emotional wellbeing are significant global issues.
Use of AI in Writing
There is no clear indication that AI was employed in drafting this article. However, if AI were used, it might have influenced the language to emphasize urgency and parental responsibility, potentially framing the issue in a way designed to provoke concern among readers.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the timing and nature of discussions parents have with their children about puberty. It raises awareness of the importance of these conversations while also hinting at the societal pressures that accompany them. The reliability of the information appears strong, given the research backing and expert commentary, although the potential for emotional manipulation exists.