All Kentuckians are mandated reporters. If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, call the Child Protection Hotline.
For contact information in other states, please visit our Report It page.
Child help: National Abuse Hotline:
1-800-4-CHILD
or 1-800-422-4453
Puberty brings many changes to teens both physically and emotionally. During this time, it can be very challenging for them to understand what is happening within their own bodies. Take some time to explain what they can expect to happen before it starts. Let them know that these changes happen to everybody and that they are welcome to come to you to ask any questions. Having an open line of communication during this time can be very beneficial for everyone. These changes can also cause additional stress on teens, so making sure they get adequate sleep, eat well, and get enough physical activity is important.
Puberty causes many changes in teens, as a result of hormonal changes. In boys, it is difficult to know exactly when puberty is coming. There are changes that occur suddenly and some that occur more gradually. Girls also experience puberty as a sequence of events, but the changes usually occur at an earlier age than boys. Each girl is different and may progress through these changes differently.
These changes can be confusing and sometimes even worrisome for your teens. Try ensuring an open and honest line of communication by beginning this conversation early on to prepare them for the changes to come. KidsHealth offers more information on the stages of puberty and tips on how to talk to your teen about them.
During these years, teens might experience some or all of the following.
Mood swings are normal. Teens may experience a mixture of high self-confidence, as well as feelings of worthlessness. Helping your teen know that these feelings are normal and solutions to manage them can help build emotional regulation skills that can last a lifetime. If your teen is experiencing tough negative emotions, share these healthy ways to vent.
Show more independence from parents. Teens often deal with issues in their daily lives that they do not wish to discuss with their parents. Their desire for privacy and independence often looks like they are pushing away their loved ones. Some parents will push their teens to share with them, which only causes them to drift further away. Others may give too much space, causing them to worry that their teen will drift away. It’s important to strike a balance by showing your teen unconditional love and making sure they know that you are always around to listen and support without judgement.
Feel stress from more challenging school work. Teens face a lot of pressure, including school, peers, and developing autonomy. Some stress during this difficult time is normal, even expected. It’s important for parents to encourage their teens to utilize healthy coping skills and techniques to deal with their stress. It’s also important to teach teens that they can reach out to us without judgement if they begin to feel overwhelmed by their stress and anxieties.
Development in romantic relationships/attractions. Around the time of adolescence, teens begin to feel romantic attractions and the many emotions that come with that. While parents may worry about the physical and emotional toll these attractions and relationships may have, there are things parents can be sure to discuss with their teens to mitigate these risks, such as healthy relationship boundaries, consent, and what is/is not appropriate in romantic relationships.
If you are worried that your teen may be showing interest in using drugs, alcohol or having suicidal thoughts, talk to your teen about what they have been feeling and what is going on in their life. Don’t discredit anything they disclose to you. Together, you can visit the doctor and develop a plan that can help your teen regain control.
Since teens can feel like they are under a microscope within society, especially with the use of social media, it can be extremely beneficial to keep home conversations body-positive. Being a self-confident family can help your teen feel good. Study your heritage, get involved in the community, and care for extended relatives. Praise each family member for his or her strengths.
Encourage exercise. Studies show active teens have a better body image regardless of their weight.
It’s important as the parent of a teen to recognize the implications that peer pressure (whether positive or negative) can have on our teens. You can’t always pick your teen’s friends but you can ensure that they are in environments that foster positive peer relationships, such as school, sports leagues, youth development organizations, and after-school programs.
Parent’s Guide to Child Safety from Safe Kids Worldwide is available in English and Spanish.
The immediate purpose of parental discipline is to provide a mix of instruction, encouragement, and correction (when necessary) to teach an adolescent to live according to family values and within family rules. Read more from psychologist Dr. Carl E. Pritchardt.
Exploited Children’s Help Organization (ECHO) utilizes NetSmartz Workshops from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children to educate adults on ways to protect your children and teens from potentially harmful things on the internet and learn the need for safety and security online.
Find more helpful tips for talking to your teens about social media and texting safety.
Boys and Girls Club of Kentuckiana is an out-of-school time provider offering a safe, positive environment for youth ages 6 to 18 to realize and develop their full potential.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is a peer mentoring program that uses healthy attachments to qualified adults to meet the youths’ basic developmental needs.
Peace Ed is an educational program designed to strengthen schools and communities by training youth and adults to manage conflict effectively, manage their anger, and respect diversity.
Seven Counties Services is a community-based organization providing behavioral and mental health care services, substance abuse treatment, and services for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
Peace for Parents Seminars, hosted by UofL Peace Hospital, provide parents and caregivers of children and teens helpful information and tools around a variety of topics.
The Financial Assistance Program provides direct financial assistance to families in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The program is designed to help with medical, equipment, and therapy bills of children 17 years of age and under, or still attending high school, whose families cannot otherwise afford to pay. In addition, our staff provides support in purchasing needed medical equipment/devices. Each application receives a full review to determine how best Kosair for Kids can aid the family. Learn more at Kosair.org.
Look for any bruising on a baby who is not yet pulling up and taking steps; bruising to the ears, neck, torso, buttocks, or genitals of any child under four years; unexplained injuries on children of any age.
Look for an increase in nightmares and/or other sleeping difficulties, withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, and not wanting to be alone with a particular individual(s).
Children are afraid to tell about their abuse because they feel ashamed, don’t want the abuser to hurt them, don’t want to cause stress for their caregivers, or don’t want their abuser to go to jail.
