Going through puberty can be awkward and confusing for tweens.
Thank goodness for puberty books for tweens written by folks who are way smarter than me about the topic!
As a parent, I always want to make sure my kids have accurate information about the changes happening in their bodies.
Back in my day, puberty education was pretty limited.
I remember having a very weird sex ed class in the 6th grade that didn’t answer any of my questions about my changing body and left me more confused about puberty than ever.
Maybe you got a puberty pamphlet in school or had an embarrassing talk with your parents.
All I know is the majority of folks my age didn’t receive the type of puberty conversations that kids today need. Our children are exposed to so much information (and misinformation) online and from their peers.
We need to have open, honest, and continuous conversations with tweens throughout puberty.
That way, they know they can come to us with questions and we’ll provide facts without judgment.
How do you educate tweens about puberty?
Hopefully, you’ve been having age-appropriate conversations with your child about their body from a young age.
As they enter puberty, those talks will get more detailed about the specific changes ahead.
It’s understandable if you feel unsure how to have these conversations yourself. It’s also understandable if you don’t have all the answers.
In addition to talking to my kids’ pediatrician, I also read books about puberty for tweens to educate myself so that I can be a better teacher.
Provide tweens with puberty books they can relate to
Reading books together is a great way to initiate puberty talks with tweens.
Educational books present facts in a relatable, approachable way that both of you can understand.
One piece of advice–make sure to preview any book before sharing it with your tween. You want to know for sure that it covers topics in a way that is appropriate for their age, development, and family values.
The right puberty book will get you both comfortable discussing this important developmental stage.
9 Essential Books About Puberty for Tweens
One of our favorite books about puberty has been updated with new illustrations and content! This best-selling puberty book features expert tips to answer girls' questions about changing bodies, hygiene, nutrition, periods, and more.
"The Care & Keeping of You 2" picks up where the first book left off. It guides girls 10+ through adolescence with advice on periods, body changes, peer pressure, and self-care at a more mature level to meet girls where they are.
As the ultimate puberty guide for girls, "Celebrate Your Body" offers relatable advice so girls can embrace changes with knowledge, excitement, and strength. This one is also a favorite in our household!
With easy-to-read sections and inclusive language, "Girl's Guide to Growing Up" addresses puberty challenges to help girls transition positively into their teen years.
With an inclusive, engaging approach, "You-ology" from the American Academy of Pediatrics offers body-positive puberty info to help every child understand and empathize with the diverse changes ahead.
From the bestselling author of Care & Keeping of You, this puberty guide unlocks self-care secrets to help boys confidently handle the changes ahead.
With age-appropriate info and emotional tools, "The Ultimate Girls' Guide to Puberty" empowers girls to confidently navigate puberty's physical and emotional changes.
This inclusive, body-positive puberty guide for boys ages 8-14 explains physical and emotional changes positively, with tips for managing big feelings, peer pressure, and more.
"A Tween Girl's Guide to Puberty" uses lots of examples to support girls through the physical and emotional changes of puberty, equipping them with confidence and self-love.