discipline

How Much is Too Much?

Believe it or not, your teen and his peers are very interested in the topic of sex and the changes that are occurring physically and emotionally during adolescence. Listed below are topics that should be covered with your teen at the appropriate age:

Ages 10 to 13

Girls should know about:

Menstruation

Breast development

Hormonal changes

Emotional changes relative to menstruation and reproductive organ development

Stages of body growth

Bodily hair changes

Skin changes (breakouts, clogged pores) and hygiene due to hormonal changes

Female reproductive organs and the body's role in reproduction

How conception and pregnancy occur

Male reproductive organs and their role in pregnancy

Variance in the timing of physical development

Recognizing the unique beauty in each individual

How our culture, namely the media, influences how society treats sex, purity and abstinence

Guys should know about:

Bodily changes (including growth in height, weight, body hair and voice deepening)

Skin changes (breakouts and clogged pores)

Nocturnal emissions or "wet dreams"

Reproductive organ development

How physical changes contribute to create emotional changes during adolescence

Reproductive organ development in females and how conception and pregnancy occur

Variance in the timing of physical development

Recognizing the unique beauty in each individual

How genetics play an important part in development, for example, what we inherit from our family in terms of body appearance, growth and disease factors

How our culture, namely the media, influences how society treats sex, purity and abstinence

Background Information

Journey of No Return
Sometimes as parents, we have a knee-jerk response to our kids as we're barraged by their numerous inquires and desires. Maybe it's time to stop being so negative.

When Not To Discipline
Parents should recognize when they should and shouldn't discipline their children.

When You Feel Like Calling in the SWAT Team
Are your children constantly testing you? This classic parenting advice will help you regain the upper hand.

Questions and Answers

After I spank my child, she usually wants to hug me and make up, but I continue to be cool to her for a few hours. Do you think that is right?
Answer

We'd like to be more unified in our approach, but how do we successfully move from two financial approaches to one?
Answer

How long do you think a child should be allowed to cry after being punished? Is there a limit?
Answer

I have never spanked my 3-year-old because I am afraid it will teach her to hit others and be a violent person. Do you think I am wrong?
Answer

It just seems barbaric to cause pain to a defenseless child. Is it healthy to spank him or her?
Answer

Review Frequently Asked Questions

Stories

If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.
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Other Things to Consider

Ten Things Toddlers Wish They Could Tell You
It can do wonders for the frazzled parent to know what's going on in the mind of your little one.

TransitionsHaving a Baby, Preparing for Adolescence

Life PressuresWorking Moms, Stay-At-Home Moms, Time for Family

RelationshipsParents and Adult Children, Blended Families