Knowing when to bring up the topic of puberty is difficult enough for parents, but throw in the decades of awful sex education programs, and it’s no wonder pre-teens are running for the hills when they hear the words “period” or “erection.” Thankfully, a new book from the American Academy of Pediatrics is here to change the way we all talk changing bodies.
You-ology: A Puberty Guide for Everybody is geared toward pre-teens (ages nine to 13) and is for all kids: girls, boys and nonbinary youth. Written to be inclusive of the gender spectrum and the trans experience, the guide is clear and straightforward when it comes to explaining body parts and reassuring that big changes and big emotions are all part of the normal process of growing up.
The guide was written by three doctors—two pediatricians and an OB/GYN—who all had experiences with kids that needed shame-free and accurate information about puberty. The goal was to give every child access to body positive, age-appropriate and fact-based information that created a sense of belonging, not isolation.
Approaching the puberty discussion is awkward thanks in large part to the way parents were taught about it in their own schooling. “Parents don’t have the tools to have these conversations, they’re just not ready for them and kids are walking around with [a cultural] education that goes way beyond puberty,” author Dr. Trish Hutchison told NPR. “I think parents are overwhelmed and scared, and they are putting that shame and that embarrassment into their conversations about puberty.” It’s pretty brutal for everyone.
But it doesn’t have to be so weird. At least that’s the idea. The 150-page guide approaches body changes in a fun, easier-going way. The text uses a conversational tone, real-life scenarios and characters that walk kids through the process of understanding hormones and finding language to describe how they feel. Additionally, readers will find helpful diagrams on gender identity and “puberty gear” that includes things like period kits, athletic cups, bras and binders.
Currently, the book is temporarily sold out on Amazon (it’s THAT popular!), but you can still place an order, and it will ship as soon as it’s back in stock.
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