Puberty: The Hard Questions & How To Answer Them

Talking to children about puberty is rarely easy, and for many parents, it can feel like the hardest part of parenting. Whether you are home educating, supporting a child who is growing up fast, or preparing for the teenage years ahead, you will likely face tricky or unexpected questions. Many parents worry that they might not know the right answers, or that they will say the wrong thing and make the conversation more awkward. This resource, Puberty: The Hard Questions & How To Answer Them, is here to help.

This printable guide has been carefully written to give parents plain, honest, and supportive answers to the most common and challenging questions children and teens ask about puberty. Questions like “When will I start puberty?”, “What if I don’t like my body?”, “Why is my voice cracking?”, or “What if I like girls and boys?” are all addressed clearly and without judgement. The sheet is fully gender-inclusive, meaning it covers common questions from boys, girls, and young people who may be questioning their gender or identity.

The Hard Questions & How To Answer Them
Tip for Parents	Children and teens often have awkward or sensitive questions about puberty. This sheet will help you prepare calm, honest, and respectful answers. It will also help you avoid common mistakes that might shut down important conversations.
Starting Difficult Conversations	Pick a relaxed moment, not when you or your child are stressed or rushed. Be open. Say things like “It’s okay to ask me anything, even if it feels awkward.” Use proper words — this helps normalise the topic and avoid confusion. Listen first. Let them fully explain their question or worry before answering. If you don’t know the answer, say so, and offer to find out together.
Things to Avoid	Avoid laughing, making jokes, or teasing — even gentle teasing can feel like mockery. Don’t dismiss questions as silly or unimportant — if they asked, it matters to them. Try not to overwhelm them with too much information all at once. Never compare your child’s body to others’ — this can harm their confidence.
Common Hard Questions	When will I start puberty? Puberty usually starts between ages 8 and 14. Some children start earlier or later — both are normal. Everyone is different. Why am I growing faster/slower than my friends? Puberty starts at different times for everyone. Some people grow earlier, some later. It all balances out in the end. What if I don't like the way my body looks? It’s common to feel unsure about changes. Remind them that all bodies are different, and confidence doesn’t come from looks but from accepting yourself. Why am I getting spots? Spots or acne happen because the skin makes more oil during puberty. This is normal and common. Good skin care and time usually help. Will I ever get taller? Yes! Most young people continue growing into their late teens. If they're worried, reassure them that their body will follow its own natural pattern. What’s a period? Periods are part of the menstrual cycle where the body sheds the lining of the womb. It’s a healthy and normal part of growing up for girls and some trans boys and non-binary people who have periods. Why do boys’ voices change? As boys go through puberty, their voice box grows larger, making their voice deeper. Sometimes it cracks or squeaks for a while, which is normal. What if my private parts don’t look like other people’s? All bodies are different, including private parts. There is no single “normal” shape or size. Is it okay to feel attracted to people? Yes, it’s perfectly normal to start having feelings of attraction during puberty, whether that’s towards boys, girls, or both. What if I think I might be gay, bisexual, or trans? Reassure them that it’s okay to have these feelings. They don’t have to have everything figured out straight away. Let them know you love and support them no matter what. Why do I feel moody or emotional? Hormones (special body chemicals) during puberty can make people feel more emotional. This is common and usually settles with time. What if someone makes fun of me? Encourage them to talk to you about bullying or teasing. Remind them that no one has the right to be unkind, and they deserve respect. Is there such a thing as the "perfect" body? No. Media often shows unrealistic images. What really matters is being healthy, kind, and confident — not looking a certain way. How do I deal with people talking about private stuff? Let them know it’s okay to set boundaries and decide what they want to share. It’s also okay to walk away from teasing or unwanted comments.
Creative Thinking Activities	Make a “Puberty Fact vs Myth” poster together based on what you’ve learned. List 5 things you both admire about people — notice how none are about appearance. Write down 3 questions you think younger children might have about puberty, then help your child practise answering them kindly and clearly.

This resource does more than just list answers — it also teaches you how to answer. Many parents worry not just about what to say, but how to say it. Should you keep it scientific? Should you soften it? Should you wait until they are older? This guide offers practical advice on finding the right words, matching the information to your child’s age and understanding, and keeping the door open for future questions. It reminds parents that you don’t need to know everything straight away — honesty, patience, and listening are just as important as facts.

For home educators, this sheet can be used in several ways. It can prepare you for when questions naturally come up during reading, projects, or everyday life. You could also use it as part of a planned lesson about body changes, relationships, or personal wellbeing. Whether you prefer to sit down for a formal chat or keep things more informal, this guide is adaptable to suit your family.

The questions included are based on real-life concerns children and teens often have, drawn from years of research and common parental experiences. They cover both physical and emotional changes, as well as worries about confidence, relationships, fitting in, and even feelings around identity and attraction.

Most importantly, this sheet encourages parents to approach these subjects with kindness and openness. Even if the questions feel surprising or awkward, children need a calm and trusted adult who they know will listen without judgement. Using this sheet will help you become that person.