OH NO, NOT THE TALK!
We know it’s not the easiest to talk about sex and puberty with your parents or teachers. So help our young readers and parents by sharing a bit with us! How would you define puberty?
Ella: Puberty is just changing, like everything else in your life changes. If people feel uncomfortable about it, just know that everyone has, will or is going through the same thing.
Mikaeel: Puberty is a process that an adolescent goes through that changes and matures your body.
Who is the worst and best person to talk to about changes during puberty?
Ella: I like to talk to my parents because I know they can help me, and close friends because I know they are experiencing the same thing. I don’t like to talk to people that aren’t close with me about it.
Mikaeel: An anonymous tip line like Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) is the best place to talk about puberty and the worst is a random stranger.
Our government has been making changes to the school health class curriculum. Do you think they are doing a good job?
Ella: I don’t really think they are. I don’t understand why we are taking important topics out of the curriculum. For some kids school was the only way they could learn about those things. I feel that just as this generation was beginning to learn about and accept different people, it was taken out of school, and I don’t feel that’s right.
Mikaeel: I think that Doug Ford and his team are doing a great job with his campaign and I’m glad he won the election to be premier of Ontario, but I think he is kind of doing a good job with the sex ed curriculum because some of the things were better before, but some things are better now. I also don’t think he is doing a good job with the snitch line. I think the sex ed snitch line was kind of a dumb idea.
What can parents do better when they are talking to their children about body changes, puberty and sex?
Ella: Don’t be so awkward about it! Speak with confidence and be clear that it’s not a bad thing.
Mikaeel: Parents should listen and answer the questions and give their child a safe place to talk about it, and not judge their child.
How do you encourage your friends (and yourself) to think positively about their body image and self confidence?
Ella: I always support their decisions. It’s no one else’s choice to dictate how someone chooses to look, and I will always stand by them if someone makes fun of how they dress or how they choose to wear their hair because it’s their choice.
Mikaeel: Give compliments and always be positive and be a good listener.
