James Whitaker

The Talk That Matters More Than You Think You may have rehearsed it a hundred times in your head. You sit beside your child, take a deep breath, and say, “So… there’s something we should talk about.” Suddenly, you’re met with a blank stare, a cringe, or even a quick dash out of the room Read More

What Our Words Teach Our Children Have you ever caught yourself saying something like, “I feel fat today,” or “I need to burn off that dessert,” in front of your child? You’re not alone. These comments may seem harmless, but they affect a child’s view of the world and themselves. They matter more than we Read More

When Shoes No Longer Fit Overnight One day, you’re buying your child a new school uniform, and barely six months later, their trousers are ankle-grazers, and their sleeves end mid-forearm. Sound familiar? If so, you’re probably witnessing the extraordinary — and often bewildering — phenomenon of a puberty growth spurt. Puberty is one of the Read More

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Puberty Puberty brings many physical changes. You may see growth in height, hair, and voice. Girls will also start their periods. But behind these visible shifts lies a profound emotional journey. Tweens and teens feel emotions strongly during this time. They also face identity challenges and deal with new social Read More

When Friendships Start to Shift One minute, they’re sharing silly secrets and snacks with their best mate; the next, they’re sitting alone at lunch or suddenly declaring a new “best friend forever.” If your child is going through puberty, chances are you’ve noticed a change in their friendships — and possibly in their entire approach Read More

When the Questions Start Coming “Why do I smell funny after running?” “What are these bumps on my face?” “Why is my voice squeaky?” If these questions have started popping up in your home, you’re not alone. As children begin to notice changes in their bodies, their curiosity spikes — and as a parent, it’s Read More

When Puberty Comes Early Puberty doesn’t always follow the expected timeline. For some children, signs of adolescence appear years before their peers. This phenomenon — known as early puberty or precocious puberty — can leave both parents and children feeling confused, anxious, or unprepared. But here’s the truth: with the right knowledge and support, early Read More

When Bodies Change, So Does Self-Image Puberty doesn’t just bring physical changes — it reshapes how children see themselves. One day, your child is climbing trees without a care in the world. Next, they’re standing in front of the mirror, tugging at their shirt, wondering if they “look weird.” As a parent or caregiver, watching Read More