Physical Changes: What works

So now we're up to physical changes. Your young person is starting to look and sound different. There is a massive growth spurt that begins where body parts start to fill out, round out, get taller, voices drop, facial hair comes on more rapidly, the list goes on. We are now we are in full swing.

As your young person goes through these changes, allow them time to adjust and get used to their new look. We eluded to the importance of young people developing a positive body image in an earlier post and that starts with us. If we accept them the way they are, they will grow in confidence. If we don't, we open a door that can lead to some major insecurties about how they look and that door is very difficult to close.

So praise them often. Tell them how wonderful they look especiallv if they have difficulty seeing it themselves, but keep them grounded. Young people are already fiercely critical of the way they look anyway but be careful that does not spill over to their criticism of others. Not a good habit to encourage.
Set the example. You want them to feel comfortable with their own bodies and respectful about others.