Puberty Workshop for Parents and Support Workers

Living with a disability such as Cerebral Palsy can make discussing developmental and psychological milestones difficult for our families. Individuals with CP can experience unusual features of puberty such as precocious puberty and hormone imbalances. This is likely the result of neurological changes in the brain and the impact on the system that regulates hormones. Members often find it challenging to find advice and support. Nest Consulting has put together a workshop on puberty information/resources and how to handle such stages comfortably.

Format: Presentation and discussion

Nest Consulting

Nest Consulting is a community based organisation specialising in health and wellbeing. A priority for Nest is working with parents/caregivers and young people on the topic of sexuality and psychosocial development. This is a broad subject covering various aspects of health and wellbeing. Therefore, Nest aims to provide information, resources and contacts that are relevant and appropriate at different ages. 

Nest runs school and community programmes, whanau info evenings and continuing professional development (CPD) / continuing medical education (CME) for healthcare workers and teachers throughout New Zealand. They are also available for specific commissions.

The mission for Nest is to enhance awareness, appreciation and knowledge of ourselves, achieving empowerment, informed choices and acceptance through education, understanding and support.

You can find out more about Nest here: www.nestconsulting.nz and through their social media here: www.facebook.com/NestConsulting or www.instagram.com/nest_consulting.

You can access further resources here: www.nestconsulting.nz/parents-teachers-resources/

Workshop Overview – POSITIVE PUBERTY PLUS©

The workshop covers:

• Anatomy and Physiology of puberty and developmental changes i.e. period cramps, mood swings and self-consciousness.
• How to start and continue potentially ‘awkward conversations’ with your tween/teens!
• How young people with CP makes variance may have different aspects and experiences within puberty and development. i.e. prevalence of precocious puberty, endocrine issues etc.
• Strategies and management of physical changes within puberty.
• Mention of both medical and natural options of managing puberty. This includes discussing available options for managing menstrual cycles such as recyclable and organic products which may include home delivery service.

Workshop Topics and Details

Changes in the body

• Changes are normal in body & mind.
• Changes happen at different times for different people.
• Simple diagrams of how the body changes for betting understanding.

Biology of process

• Physical, social & emotional changes in male & female anatomy.
• Naming sex hormones and changes.
• Seeking and presenting accurate information. 
  

Managing changes in the body and mind

• Personal hygiene, nutrition, hydration, exercise, sleep.
• Body acceptance.
• Feelings and emotions.
• Understanding own responsibility.
• Handling fluctuating and extreme feelings and emotions.
• Techniques for critical thinking and good decision making.
• Sharing their experiences and fears about becoming a grown up with families and caregivers and gaining support.
• Reviewing the different options for individuals and their families. i.e. pads, tampons which can be environmentally friendly.
• Encouraging and supporting self-esteem and self-acceptance for individuals.
• Places to go for trustworthy information and support if needed.