Podcast Episode 290: From Mood Swings to Milestones: 4 Tips to Supporting Your Child Through Modern Puberty with Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett
Ah, puberty—a time of life that brings more mood swings, questionable music tastes, and growth spurts than you can shake a stick at. These days, it feels like puberty is showing up earlier than a surprise visit from your in-laws.
Kids are now hitting this hormonal rollercoaster at the ripe old ages of 8-9 for girls and 9-10 for boys. So, what’s the rush?
And how can parents manage this fast-tracked phase without losing their sanity? Turns out- a lot.
As your kids move through puberty, maintaining that emotional connection can sometimes feel like you’re talking to a brick wall. When the eye rolls and grunts become their primary language, it’s essential to find creative ways to stay connected. And you just might catch a glimpse of that kid you know and love beneath the hormonal haze.
In the world of puberty and parenting, patience and persistence are key.
In this podcast episode, we sit down with puberty experts Dr. Cara Natterson & Vanessa Kroll Bennett. Dr. Natterson is a pediatrician and New York Times bestselling author of ten books including The Care and Keeping of You series, and Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a national bestselling author and puberty educator. Together, they are two of the most trusted voices on puberty.
Parenting through puberty isn’t for the faint-hearted, but after listening to this episode, you’ll find that you can help your child navigate this crazy time while keeping your sanity intact.
Keep in mind that the mood swings and milestones are all part of the package. Just know that you’re not alone on this rollercoaster ride—and there’s plenty of humor (and love) to be found in the madness.
In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:
- Why kids are entering puberty earlier—girls around 8-9 and boys 9-10—and the role stress and high achievement culture play in this developmental fast-tracking.
- How to help your kids prioritize good sleep habits to support their busy lives.
- Strategies to keep your kids healthy, happy, and balanced throughout their hormonal rollercoaster ride.
- How to maintain that emotional connection with your teens, even when it feels like you’re talking to a brick wall.
Resources We Shared In This Episode:
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This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained by Vanessa Kroll Bennett & Cara Natterson, MD
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