The Puberty Talk

Published

Hi all!

I'm a first year certified school nurse and I'll be giving the puberty talk today to the fifth grade girls (I have a male teacher that agreed to cover the boys).

I have a video that covers a majority of the discussion for me, but wanted to see if any of you had any words of advice? Are any of you in charge of the puberty talk? What kinds of questions were you asked that I should prepare myself for?

Thank you!

I found out what "tamping" is today.

I have heard of the practice but didn't know the term.

Do I want to google this? I totally am

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*(widens eyes and pulls back slowly from computer)*

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*(widens eyes and pulls back slowly from computer)*

Kids these days.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Wow. There's a YouTube video.

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Wow. There's a YouTube video.

No thank you.

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Specializes in Psych, Addiction.

As a nurse and parent (now grandparent) who raised three boys, I think that's a cop out. A short, correct answer to a question about anything is necessary when it comes to the "talk". Many parents do a terrible job of providing correct information. We nurses have to be sure we're not projecting that there's anything dirty or wrong about sexuality or pubescent changes. That's the only way they'll feel comfortable seeking help with problems related to sex and reproduction. We need to encourage kids who can't talk to their parents to talk to us, before they get in over their heads. Just saying ask your parents may get you off the hook momentarily, but a straightforward short response, followed by we can talk about that some time if you are still confused is better. I'm not a school nurse but I work with pregnant adolescents, so I know a little about the subject.

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As a nurse and parent (now grandparent) who raised three boys, I think that's a cop out. A short, correct answer to a question about anything is necessary when it comes to the "talk". Many parents do a terrible job of providing correct information. We nurses have to be sure we're not projecting that there's anything dirty or wrong about sexuality or pubescent changes. That's the only way they'll feel comfortable seeking help with problems related to sex and reproduction. We need to encourage kids who can't talk to their parents to talk to us, before they get in over their heads. Just saying ask your parents may get you off the hook momentarily, but a straightforward short response, followed by we can talk about that some time if you are still confused is better. I'm not a school nurse but I work with pregnant adolescents, so I know a little about the subject.

To whom are you responding?

Please use the quote feature. Thanks.

Your profile says pre nursing student as of 9/15.

Accelerated program?

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Specializes in Psych, Addiction.
To whom are you responding?

Please use the quote feature. Thanks.

Your profile says pre nursing student as of 9/15.

Accelerated program?

Hi, sorry, I'm new to responding. I was actually trying to answer abc123 on the first page of the conversation, not realizing how far it had digressed lol.

I'm finishing my BSN, and preparing to start my DNP in women's health/midwifery. I've been a health educator for an adolescent OB clinic and LPN for years. Wish I could have been able to pay for the accelerated program, but I think I'm getting a great education in the traditional. Next time I should maybe do more reading before jumping in. I love where the conversation went-- we nurses are a clever and witty bunch...

Thanks for explaining the quote feature!

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Hi, sorry, I'm new to responding. I was actually trying to answer abc123 on the first page of the conversation, not realizing how far it had digressed lol.

I'm finishing my BSN, and preparing to start my DNP in women's health/midwifery. I've been a health educator for an adolescent OB clinic and LPN for years. Wish I could have been able to pay for the accelerated program, but I think I'm getting a great education in the traditional. Next time I should maybe do more reading before jumping in. I love where the conversation went-- we nurses are a clever and witty bunch...

Thanks for explaining the quote feature!

You should change your profile. You are listed as a pre-nursing student.

It will help us respond to you better if we know to whom we are speaking!

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Specializes in Psych, Addiction.
You should change your profile. You are listed as a pre-nursing student.

It will help us respond to you better if we know to whom we are speaking!

I must have signed up when I was finishing my prereqs! I definitely felt out of place in the college scene (I'm 56!) and didn't feel like a nursing student yet. thanks for the input!

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