Page 191 - The Intentional Parent

him. Praise your son for speaking up, and let him know that by speaking up he has helped prevent this young man from hurting other children.
Parents should be aware of the warning signs of sexual molestation. These include a drastic change in behavior in any way; a preoccupation with sex, bodily functions, or nudity; fear of people he or she is close to; crying and depression for no apparent reason; or complaints from other parents that your child is behaving in a sexually forward way toward their children.
MENSTRUATION
My daughter is only eight years old, but she is already starting to develop. When should I begin talking to her about her period?
Now. More than half of all girls reach puberty before the age of thirteen. You will want to start clueing your daughter in on the changes she may be observing in her body. When girls are unprepared for menses (the onset of menstruation) it can be a frightening and confusing thing. That is why it is important to prepare her ahead of time. Begin by asking her if she knows what it means to be having her period. Explain that it means that her body is maturing to the point where it will soon be able to carry a baby. You will need to explain about proper hygiene and the physical and emotional changes that having a period entails. Please don't gloss over it just to get the conversation over with because it may be embarrassing to you or your daughter. Have the conversation as part of a general conversation about growing up, taking responsibility, and taking care of her body.
NOCTURNAL EMISSIONS
The Intentional Parent by Peter J. Favaro, Ph.D. 191