The Parenting Center — Growing Up Part 2: The Talk

August 18, 2026 - 23:32

Bobby DiMarco returns to continue The Parenting Center's series on child development, this time focusing on the often-dreaded conversation about puberty. In part two of the class, DiMarco moves beyond the biological basics to address the emotional and social shifts that come with growing up. He emphasizes that the "talk" should not be a single, awkward sit-down event, but rather an ongoing dialogue that starts early and evolves as the child matures.

The session highlights practical strategies for parents to approach the subject with confidence and honesty. DiMarco advises against using overly clinical language or, conversely, relying on vague metaphors that can confuse kids. Instead, he encourages parents to use real terms, answer questions directly, and admit when they do not know something. A key point is that children are often more comfortable when the conversation is framed around normal physical changes, like growth spurts and skin changes, before diving into the more complex topics of hormones and reproduction.

Beyond the physical, the class covers the importance of discussing emotional changes, such as mood swings and a growing need for privacy. DiMarco reminds parents that their own comfort level sets the tone. If a parent is anxious, the child will likely feel that anxiety too. He suggests practicing the conversation out loud and using everyday moments, like a scene in a movie or a change in a friend's family, as natural entry points. The goal is to build trust and make sure children know they can come to their parents with any question, no matter how awkward it might seem. The class wraps up with a reminder that this is not a one-time lecture, but a continuous part of parenting that strengthens the bond between parent and child through the teenage years.