Human Growth and Development
Every child is unique. Each child has his or her own growth and developmental path. Between the ages of 8-15 children start to show signs of puberty. Even if your child is not showing signs of puberty, other children in their grade may be. Girls usually start to go into puberty earlier than boys. Currently, the Human Growth and Development lessons are taught in the spring of 5th grade and 6th grade. I recommend that you should start talking with your child prior to this. I have listed a few resources that can be used to help your child learn about the changes that will be occurring. You can use the resources to help learn what to expect as well. The books can help guide you in talking with your child about puberty and his/her growing body. They may begin to have body odor, foot odor, and/or pimples. Children need to learn to be independent and responsible for brushing their teeth, showering regularly, and wash their face and hair regularly as their bodies grow and change. Having conversations ahead of time is often quite helpful. We have some of the books listed below in the health office for parents to look at or to borrow. You can also find a number of other books available at the town library too.
The Penny Pack can be ordered online for $29.99 (price includes personalization) online at thepennypack.com
kidshealth.org website has quite a bit of information that you may find helpful on puberty and many other topics.
The Feelings Book by American Girl Publishing
The Care and Keeping of You – the body book for girls by American Girl Press
What’s Happening to Me? book for girls By Susan Meredith Usborne Press
What’s Happening to Me? book for boys By Firth, Meredith, and Larkum
The Care and Keeping of You 2– the body book Older Girls by American Girl Press
The “What’s Happening to My Body?” Book for boys by Lynda Madaras
On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow! Book for younger boys by Lynda Madaras
--
Resilience is a key skill for children to learn.
Heather Makris, BSN RN NCSN
Luther Conant Elementary School Nurse
https://abschools.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=6252188
(978)266-2550
(978)264-3329 fax