Surviving Puberty

Puberty can be one of the toughest parts of life. With the help and support of relatives and friends, you can sail through it, though. It helps to remember that you are not the only one going through this, that everyone goes through puberty. Here are some additional tips to help:

• Ask lots of questions. It is nice to know how and what your body is doing, how it will affect your life and how to keep it all in perspective.
• Look for more information about puberty in your library and/or bookstores, on the Web, or directly from a responsible older person you trust.
• Respect your body. Smoking, using drugs and drinking alcohol are not respectful of your body, and in fact they are rather harmful. Eat nutritious foods. Get plenty of exercise. Wait for sex until you are ready!
• Accept your body. It is a work in progress. Remember that everyone goes through it, but that you are an INDIVIDUAL! Try not to compare yourself to anyone else.
• If you must diet, use some sense. Don't skip meals or put your finger down your throat to keep your weight down. This only leads to disease, emotional problems and even DEATH.
• If you feel sad, bad or totally weird, talk to somebody! Believe it or not, you already know someone you can talk to about your personal feelings and the changes you are going through. Don't suffer in silence. Start practicing communication now!