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The Upside to Puberty, Changes and Growing Up

With the right attitude, puberty doesn't have to be difficult.

By , About.com Guide

Many tweens are happy being tweens, and don't necessarily want to change. But puberty does change things, and there's no stopping it. Tweens don't have to fear puberty, changes and growing up. There are advantages to growing up, and even puberty can bring changes that your tween will enjoy.

If your tween is dreading puberty, changes and the idea of becoming a teen, be sure to point out the fun side of growing up, and growing older. Be sure to point out all the new experiences your child will encounter in the coming years.

The Upside to Puberty

  • Staying out later
  • Wearing makeup
  • Dating
  • Trying out for the middle school or high school sports teams
  • Joining after-school clubs
  • Babysitting, mowing lawns and earning their own money
  • Getting to go certain places unsupervised
  • Learning how to drive
  • Visiting colleges and thinking about life after high school
  • Helping out with family responsibilities, such as watching younger siblings
  • Getting contacts
  • Getting their braces off
  • Making new friends
  • Tackling skills they've always wondered about (such as cooking or fixing cars)
  • Picking out their own clothes (within your limits)
  • Picking their own classes at school
  • Finding new hobbies
  • Spending more time with friends
  • Getting to make more decisions
  • Going to movies that aren't rated-G
  • Getting a cell phone
  • Share these milestones with your tween about the upside of puberty and he or she will likely embrace the idea of adolescence rather than dread the changes to come. And remember to be patient with your tween when puberty and mood swings set in. It's a stressful phase of life, to be sure, and tweens need all the help you can offer.

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