Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Parents often want to talk to their kids about puberty and periods, but many don’t know where to start. In this episode, I’m joined by pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Dr. Charis Chambers to talk about how we can change the way families approach these conversations. From stigma and misinformation to the fear of saying the wrong thing, we break down why avoiding these discussions can leave kids confused, scared, or learning from the wrong sources.
We discuss how to introduce puberty and body changes in age-appropriate ways, why boys should be included in these conversations, and how parents can shift from one awkward “talk” to an ongoing dialog that builds trust. Dr. Chambers also explains the science behind periods, addresses common misconceptions about hormonal therapy, and shares powerful stories from her clinical experience that highlight why this education matters for a child’s long-term relationship with their body and health.
In this episode we discuss:
✔️ Why many kids feel scared when their first period starts
✔️ How to start puberty conversations earlier and more naturally
✔️ Why boys should learn about periods too
✔️ The difference between privacy and secrecy when talking about bodies
✔️ How stigma around periods gets passed down through generations
✔️ Why hormonal therapy is often misunderstood
✔️ How open conversations build trust between parents and kids
To connect with Dr. Charis Chambers follow her on Instagram @theperioddoctor, check out all her resources at theperioddoctor.com and buy her new book: go.shopmy.us/p-65451714 (paid link)
00:00 – Why Period Conversations Matter
00:59 – Introducing Dr. Charis Chambers and Her New Book
02:01 – Why She Wrote The Puberty and Period Parenting Revolution
05:06 – Why Parents Avoid Talking About Puberty
07:06 – When Should Parents Start Talking About Puberty?
10:07 – Why Boys Should Learn About Periods Too
11:36 – Privacy vs Secrecy in Body Conversations
13:02 – How Media and Culture Create Period Shame
17:44 – Why Puberty Should Be an Ongoing Conversation
22:03 – How to Explain Anatomy to Kids Simply
27:12 – Real Stories of First Period Experiences
33:27 – Birth Control, Hormones, and Common Myths
42:07 – How Parents Can Start These Conversations Today
Check out all of the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during parenthood. Visit pedsdoctalk.com/courses
Sign up for the PedsDocTalk newsletter to stay updated on the latest news on all things child health and parenting! Here is the link: pedsdoctalk.com/newsletter
SUBSCRIBE to PedsDocTalkTV to stay up to date! youtube.com/@pedsdoctalk
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast available on all Podcast apps.
Many more resources at pedsdoctalk.com
Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk?tab=collections (paid link)
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: instagram.com/pedsdoctalk
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@pedsdoctalk
Facebook: facebook.com/pedsdoctalk
Keywords: doctor, pediatrician, talking to kids about puberty, how to explain periods to kids, when to talk to kids about puberty, puberty education for parents, explaining periods to boys and girls, first period conversation with kids, puberty and body changes for kids, hormonal therapy vs birth control for teens
Parents often want to talk to their kids about puberty and periods, but many don’t know where to start. In this episode, I’m joined by pediatric and adolescent gynecologist Dr. Charis Chambers to talk about how we can change the way families approach these conversations. From stigma and misinformation to the fear of saying the wrong thing, we break down why avoiding these discussions can leave kids confused, scared, or learning from the wrong sources.
We discuss how to introduce puberty and body changes in age-appropriate ways, why boys should be included in these conversations, and how parents can shift from one awkward “talk” to an ongoing dialog that builds trust. Dr. Chambers also explains the science behind periods, addresses common misconceptions about hormonal therapy, and shares powerful stories from her clinical experience that highlight why this education matters for a child’s long-term relationship with their body and health.
In this episode we discuss:
✔️ Why many kids feel scared when their first period starts
✔️ How to start puberty conversations earlier and more naturally
✔️ Why boys should learn about periods too
✔️ The difference between privacy and secrecy when talking about bodies
✔️ How stigma around periods gets passed down through generations
✔️ Why hormonal therapy is often misunderstood
✔️ How open conversations build trust between parents and kids
To connect with Dr. Charis Chambers follow her on Instagram @theperioddoctor, check out all her resources at theperioddoctor.com and buy her new book: go.shopmy.us/p-65451714 (paid link)
00:00 – Why Period Conversations Matter
00:59 – Introducing Dr. Charis Chambers and Her New Book
02:01 – Why She Wrote The Puberty and Period Parenting Revolution
05:06 – Why Parents Avoid Talking About Puberty
07:06 – When Should Parents Start Talking About Puberty?
10:07 – Why Boys Should Learn About Periods Too
11:36 – Privacy vs Secrecy in Body Conversations
13:02 – How Media and Culture Create Period Shame
17:44 – Why Puberty Should Be an Ongoing Conversation
22:03 – How to Explain Anatomy to Kids Simply
27:12 – Real Stories of First Period Experiences
33:27 – Birth Control, Hormones, and Common Myths
42:07 – How Parents Can Start These Conversations Today
Check out all of the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during parenthood. Visit pedsdoctalk.com/courses
Sign up for the PedsDocTalk newsletter to stay updated on the latest news on all things child health and parenting! Here is the link: pedsdoctalk.com/newsletter
SUBSCRIBE to PedsDocTalkTV to stay up to date! youtube.com/@pedsdoctalk
Listen to The PedsDocTalk Podcast available on all Podcast apps.
Many more resources at pedsdoctalk.com
Shop Dr. Mona's favorite products: shopmy.us/shop/pedsdoctalk?tab=collections (paid link)
FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: instagram.com/pedsdoctalk
Tik Tok: tiktok.com/@pedsdoctalk
Facebook: facebook.com/pedsdoctalk
Keywords: doctor, pediatrician, talking to kids about puberty, how to explain periods to kids, when to talk to kids about puberty, puberty education for parents, explaining periods to boys and girls, first period conversation with kids, puberty and body changes for kids, hormonal therapy vs birth control for teens
