Families ARE Talking
Did you know that teens rank parents as the number one influence on
their sexual decision-making? As they move into adolescence, kids
develop a broader sense of themselves and their relationships with the
people around them. To help families adjust to the changes that hap-
pen, we have developed some tools to get conversations started.
Source: National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy
Did you know that all of the adults in your life went through puberty
when they were younger? We know that it can sometimes be hard to
talk with trusted adults about things like crushes, friendships and the
changes happening to your body. But remember, they also experi-
enced puberty and are GREAT resources for your questions! Not sure
where to start? Try asking a Talk To Me question (found in the red
and blue boxes on these pages) to get the conversation going.
For more information about Planned Parenthood of the Great Northwest’s
Education Programs, visit:
Body Image
Activity
Let’s take a look at some
of the changes that happen to
our bodies during puberty. Using the
words in the Word Bank, draw
a line to the boy and/or girl body
where you think the changes
are happening. Hint: many
changes happen to both.
Word Bank
Hair under arms
Pubic hair
Voice lowers and cracks
Shoulders widen
Wet dreams
Menstruation begins
Body odor
Oily skin and acne
Breast development
Answer Key
Girl body: Hair under arms, pubic hair,
oily skin and acne,
menstruation, body odor,
breast development
Boy body: Hair under arms, pubic hair,
oily skin and acne, voice lowers and cracks,
shoulders widen, wet dreams, body odor
What, if anything,
do you think is scary
about growing up?
Did you
have
crushes
when you
were my
age?
What is puberty?
Puberty is the process of changing
from a child to an adult. It includes
physical, emotional, social and
intellectual changes.
