Dr. Thais Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney are joined by NY Times bestselling author, Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician, speaker, and author of 10 books, including a guide for parents titled “This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained”. In this episode, they'll discuss puberty-related topics, including the transition from childhood to adolescence, the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty, and how parents can best support their tweens and teens through this critical time. Dr. Natterson will also share her insights on the impact of social media and screen time on kids and the challenges of navigating puberty in today's digital world.  We'll also learn about the earlier onset of puberty, and Dr. Cara Natterson shares her top five tips on how to speak to your child about puberty.  

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Dr. CARA NATTERSON TAKEAWAYS:

• Puberty Is A Complex Period Of Physical And Hormonal Changes, including growth spurts and the development of secondary sexual characteristics. These changes can significantly impact a child's mood and behavior. Importantly, puberty often begins earlier than many people realize.
• Early Exposure To Pornography Can Have Significant Negative Impacts: Pornography exposure can distort adolescent perceptions of sex, leading to unrealistic expectations and potentially harmful behaviors.
• Gender Identity Is A Complex And Fluid Concept. It's crucial to understand that gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation. Many young people may explore different gender expressions during adolescence, and this exploration should be met with support and understanding from parents and caregivers.
• Responsible Screen Time Management Is Essential For Healthy Development: Screen time can impact a child's well-being. Parents should guide children towards healthy screen time habits by setting limits, encouraging communication, and emphasizing balance.
• Open Communication And Support Are Vital For Navigating Adolescence: Adolescence is a period of significant change. Open and honest communication between parents and children is crucial for building trust and support. Parents should create a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable discussing their concerns.

THIS EPISODE:  

• [3:32] Dr. Cara Natterson explains the transition from her medical practice to a writer
• [8:38] Understanding puberty
• [9:10] Puberty: Boys and girls - What age puberty starts
• [33:34] Does puberty affect the height of your child and PCOS and puberty
• [41:10] The impact of social media and screen time on kids 
• [48:00 ] Gender identity
• [53:26] Teens and porn
• [01:01:30] Dr. Cara’s top five tips on how to speak to your tween or teen about puberty

RESOURCES: 

Dr. Cara Natterson - Instagram

Less Awkward:  Website

Book: This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained

Spilling The Pubertea - TikTok

This is So Awkward - Podcast

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Cara Natterson is a renowned pediatrician and NY Times best selling author known for her insightful books on puberty, including "The Care and Keeping of You." She recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to adolescent health and founded the Order of Magnitude. This multifaceted platform provides valuable resources for teenagers, including a podcast, social media channels, innovative health education programs, and a thriving DTC brand. Through her work, Dr. Natterson empowers adolescents and their families to navigate the complexities of puberty with confidence and understanding.

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