The Top 10 Ways to Endure Puberty

If you have a child beginning puberty, you're probably wondering, "Where did I go wrong?" or "Who exactly is this strange child in my home?" Have no fear, you are not alone. All parents of pre-teen children wonder this at one time or another. You will survive this confusing and frustrating phase. I traveled through the dark tunnel of puberty, and survived to see the light at the other side. Hopefully with my advice, and a sense of humor, you too will survive.

Let's start with the basics. Puberty is not a 4-letter word, although it may cause us to use many during this trying time. It's a period in your child's development when hormones kick in full throttle, and he begins to exert his independence, and to try our patience. Moods swing like a pendulum, where highs can be as high as the peak of Mount Everest, and lows as low as the depths of the Pacific Ocean. When puberty kicks in, our words of wisdom become less wise, and yes, in our child's eyes, we're not as smart as he once thought. This is all quite normal as he begins to spread his wings, and try to find his own place in the world.

At the beginning of puberty, you will discover a host of strange and alien behaviors, such as eye rolls and the infamous shoulder shrug. Closed doors and an incessant need for privacy also come to the forefront during puberty. It seems like puberty has brain-damaging capabilities, as a once determined, responsible and organized child enters a disheveled world of forgetfulness and chaos. Again, all these new abnormalities are completely normal for a child this age. Physical changes are also paramount during this time. Hair grows in new and different places, voices begin to crack, and bodies begin to evolve and mature. As strange as this may seem to us, it's even more alien to your child. Continue to reassure him that while these changes can be unsettling, they are completely normal and natural.

Having survived the storm of puberty, I discovered that a good dose of humor helped us cope. With that in mind, here is my Top 10 List on How to Endure Puberty, a Family Survival Guide, of sorts.

1) Look Trough Old Baby Albums
Once puberty kicks in, it's like an alien invaded the body of your once loving child. Pull out old photo albums to remind yourself that you did indeed give birth to this odd child. Trust me, once you come out on the other side of puberty, you will once again recognize this child as your own.

2) Talk To Your Pediatrician
Although your child's behavior may seem alien-like in nature, your doctor can convince you that it's quite normal. Reassurance from a professional does a lot to calm fears and settle nerves. Do not hesitate to ask questions, even if they may seem petty. There is no such thing as a silly or petty question, especially as it pertains to the mystery of puberty.

3) Communicate. Communicate. Communicate.
Communication is key when it comes to surviving the storm of puberty. Communicate with your child about everything that he is experiencing, and let him know that you're still his number one fan. Communicate with your spouse about your child's changing behavior. Form a puberty survival team, and agree to do everything in your power to survive the next year or two. Communicate with other parents of a child going through puberty. You will soon discover that you have not been transported to an unusual planet in the galaxy of puberty. Swap survival stories, and take solace in the fact that other families are going through the same thing

4) Discover a New Escape Outlet
Jogging, knitting, reading, watching bad reality TV shows can all provide a complete escape from the actual and harsh realities of puberty. Whatever outlet you chose as a diversion, stick with it, and do it often.

5) Plan a Quick Getaway
Pack up the family, and head out of town for a couple of days. This much-needed change of scenery may even out the severe mood swings. If puberty should rear its ugly head, it's much easier to deal with while away from usual surroundings.

6) Form a Support Group
Seek out parents of your child's friends. Chances are very high that they are experiencing the same odd behaviors. Agree to meet at least once a month for coffee to discuss survival strategies and exchange puberty war stories.

7) Find an Escape Hatch in Your Own Home
After an especially trying day, find one place in your home and hang up a "Do not disturb" sign. For me, my home sanctuary is my bathroom, and my drug of choice is a long, hot bath. It's the perfect medicine for soothing the soul and rejuvenating over-stressed nerves.

8) Discover New Organizational Tools
One of the most severe symptoms of puberty is a complete lack of organization, coupled with a crippling loss of memory. The result reminds me of the Tasmanian devil. Help your child out by purchasing a large, pocketed folder in which to organize assignments and homework for different classes. A second locker shelf also makes life easier by providing extra storage space.

9) Go Out for a 1-on-1 Outing with Your Child
There is a nice nature center where I take my child to whenever we have the time. We go for a long walk along the river, and open up lines of communication. There is something about being outdoors, and being alone that helps us reconnect and survive the puberty storm together.

10) Rekindle Romance with Your Spouse
This may seem like strange advice, especially during this trying time. However, a strong parental unit makes for a strong force to survive puberty together. Plus, it will remind you why you wanted to procreate in the first place.

Put on your coat of armor, go forth and face puberty armed with the knowledge and tools needed to survive. With a little humor and a lot of patience, you too will soon see the light at the end of the tunnel.