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New Delhi, April 22, 2025 – A significant number of parents in the United States agree that discussing puberty with their children is crucial, yet they remain divided on the best time to start these conversations and how to approach them, reveals a recent poll.
The study, conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, found that determining the right age to talk about bodily changes and deciding whether to include discussions about sex are major challenges for parents navigating this sensitive developmental stage.
While consensus exists on the importance of the topic, parental strategies vary widely. The poll indicated that roughly half of the parents surveyed take a proactive stance, initiating discussions themselves. Conversely, about two out of five parents wait for their child to bring up the subject first, and a smaller group (5 percent) admitted to avoiding the topic altogether.
Mott Poll Co-Director Sarah Clark highlighted the potential downsides of delaying these conversations. “It’s easy to assume a child is too young for conversations about puberty, but many parents are surprised to find their tween already showing signs of puberty or asking unexpected questions about body changes,” Clark stated.
She emphasized that initiating talks early allows parents to present information appropriately for the child’s age, preparing them for upcoming changes and potentially reducing anxiety or confusion. Clark warned that without parental guidance, children might turn to less reliable sources like peers, social media, or entertainment for information.
Parental hesitation is also a factor. The poll found that one in five parents felt embarrassed discussing puberty, while one in six worried about providing incorrect information. Furthermore, a quarter of parents with children aged 10-12 reported their child was unwilling to discuss the topic. This reluctance was even more common among parents of younger children (7-9 years), with nearly a third believing their child was too young to comprehend the subject matter.
Clark suggested that parents’ own childhood experiences might influence their current approach. “Whether they realise it or not parents may bring their own experiences into their parenting approach,” she explained. “Many parents said they had little or no discussion of puberty when they were young. If puberty was treated as an awkward or embarrassing subject growing up, that can make it harder to know how to begin.”
The poll also shed light on the challenge of incorporating discussions about sex and reproduction. Clark advised a gradual approach: “Early conversations should focus on making kids aware that they will experience physical and emotional changes, and reassuring them that those changes are normal. Discussions about sex can occur over time.”
Underscoring the need for continuous dialogue as children mature, Clark concluded, “Ongoing, supportive discussions are also key as children grow and encounter new phases of puberty.”
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding a study conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, dated April 21. The findings reflect the views and experiences reported by the participating US parents surveyed in the poll.
