As your child gets older, talking to them about important things can be uncomfortable. Conversations about puberty and pregnancy can seem daunting. Part of what makes these conversations so hard is that we often leave them to the last minute. Consequently, children have less time to understand all that’s happening before they’re making decisions and experiencing changes themselves.

By starting to educate your daughters about their sexual health and development long before they go through puberty, they can learn to be comfortable with the kinds of questions their healthcare providers are going to ask and know where the boundaries are for their bodies before it’s too late.

Preventative screening starts for young women at age 13 and so it’s important for young girls to be confident and knowledgeable about their bodies before then. When parents start conversations early, it allows them to be able to answer questions that arise.

Here are some important things that children should know about before visiting a doctor during puberty:

Their bodies are going to change. Children should know which parts of their body the doctor is going to ask about, what’s growing, and why they’re growing. They should know that they are going to have a period and that all of these things are normal.
What sex is and what its risks are. Health providers are likely going to ask about sexual activity, so your teen should know what that is. They should know what STDs are, how they can be transmitted, and that they can get tested if they need. And of course, they should know about pregnancy and how it happens, as well as what kind of genetic testing can be done to find out how their baby would develop if they had one.
What their doctor is going to ask and do. You should go over specifically what a doctor is going to ask about periods, sexual health, and birth control so that children can be confident in their answers.
What kind of doctor they want. Children might feel more comfortable talking to a male or female doctor, so it’s important to find out which they prefer. You can also ask whether or not they want to see the same doctor as you.
What kind of doctor you want. Are they certified, will your child see the same doctor every time, what is their parental communication policy, and how is the doctor going to talk to your child about sex? Making sure you’re on the same page will help you both deliver a consistent experience.

Each of these things will help you and your child move with confidence into doctor appointments during puberty. Take your time and stay informed – our children depend on it.