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:
Follow Vaness & Cara on Instagram!
Interested in joining the Less Awkward Membership Community? This community empowers you with science-based, realistic guidance for the many awkward (and hopefully funny and meaningful) conversations with the kids in your life.
Listen to the This Is So Awkward Podcast
This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained by Vanessa Kroll Bennett & Cara Natterson, MD
Join our FREE No Guilt Mom Podcast group
Learn all about Balance VIP HERE!
No Guilt Mom YouTube Channel Check us out and subscribe to be notified every time we have new videos added for parents and kids, as well as video footage from our podcast episodes!
Read the transcripts HERE
Check out our favorite deals and discounts from our amazing sponsors here!
#parentingpodcast #mompodcast #parentingtips #momlife #selfcare #puberty #teenagers #tweens
Don’t forget to Rate & Review the podcast!
We’d love to hear your thoughts on the podcast! If you could take a moment to Rate & Review the No Guilt Mom Podcast on Apple here we’d be so grateful! Not sure how to do it? We got you covered! Check out this short video we made to show you how to leave a review.
Listen on Spotify? You can rate us there too!
Check out our latest podcast episodes:
- Supporting Kids in Teacher Conflicts: What Parents Need to Know
- Podcast Episode 326: Why Kegels Aren’t Important: The Truth About Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women Transcripts
- Podcast Episode 326: Why Kegels Aren’t Important: The Truth About Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women with Megan Zimmerman PT, DPT, PCES
- How to Reduce Screen Time for Kids (Without the Power Struggles)
- Podcast Episode 325: From Ball Sacks to Boundaries: Reclaiming the Holidays Transcripts
Brie Tucker
COO/ Podcast Producer at No Guilt Mom
- Podcast Episode 326: Why Kegels Aren’t Important: The Truth About Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women Transcripts
- Podcast Episode 326: Why Kegels Aren’t Important: The Truth About Pelvic Floor Therapy for Women with Megan Zimmerman PT, DPT, PCES
- Podcast Episode 325: From Ball Sacks to Boundaries: Reclaiming the Holidays
- Podcast Episode #146: How to Parent Like a Spy with Christina Hillsberg
- Podcast Episode 119: Finding your Authentic Self with Ryan Haddon
- Podcast Episode 116: Six Coping Skills That Will Change Your Kids Lives
- Podcast Episode 112: What is Social Justice Parenting?
- Podcast Episode #98: Talking about the Birds and the Bees with Brittany McBride
- Podcast Episode 86: Parenting on the Same Page with Amy McCready
- Podcast Episode 61: How Logical Consequences are More Effective Than Punishments at Home
- How to Calm Down When Stressed
- One Simple Skill Your Kids Should Master to Deal with Mean Kids
