For parents and carers
Understand your child
a little better.
Find knowledge and practical tools to understand, talk with and support your child through physical, emotional and social changes.
This landing page has been translated from the Norwegian original. In-depth articles and some interactive tools linked below remain in Norwegian.
Find content that fits your family
How old is your child?
Choose the age group that fits best. Children develop differently, and you are welcome to explore topics for both age groups.
Do you know what you are looking for?
Search for a topic, something you have noticed about your child, or something you would like help discussing.
For parents of children 8–12
Understanding the changes
Many questions about the body and development may arise at this age. Find knowledge that helps you answer questions, prepare your child and make room for good conversations.
What happens during puberty?
Understand the physical and emotional changes of puberty.
Children develop at different rates
Read about early and late puberty and differences in development.
The first period
Help your child understand and prepare for their first period.
Body and self-esteem
Support your child when facing body ideals, comparisons and uncertainty.
Consent and respect for boundaries
Talk about free choice, respect, personal boundaries and responsibility toward others.
When your child tells you about something unwanted
How to respond, listen and find support when concerned about abuse.
Conversations with 8–12
How can you start the conversation?
With younger children, it can help to start with something you have seen, heard or experienced together. Use simple words, ask open questions and let the child decide how much to share.
Here are some things you could say:
- ‘Have you heard about what happens to the body during puberty?’
- ‘What do you think about what we just saw or talked about?’
- ‘Do you know you can always come to me with questions about your body or boundaries?’
For parents of teenagers 13–17
Being a trusted adult throughout adolescence
As teenagers gain independence, you can remain an important source of support. Explore health, relationships, rights and ways to keep conversations open.
When your child seems sad or low
Read about low mood and when your child needs extra support.
How to talk to teenagers about contraception
Learn about contraceptive methods and how teenagers can access guidance.
When contraception may affect mood
About hormonal contraception, mental health, possible mood changes and how to support teenagers.
When a relationship becomes controlling
Learn about control, pressure and unsafe relationships.
Sexual assault and rape
What parents should know, how to talk to a child and where to find help.
Confidentiality and information for parents
Understand children's and teenagers' healthcare rights and the rules about sharing information.
Conversations with 13–17
How can you start the conversation?
Teenagers often need more room for their own thoughts and choices. Show interest without demanding immediate answers. Ask how they understand the situation and what support they would like.
Here are some things you could say:
- ‘I would like to hear what you think about this.’
- ‘What do you think matters in a safe and healthy relationship?’
- ‘Would you like me to listen, help you find information or think it through with you?’
Where would you like to start?
Find what you need right now
My first period: activities
Explore a period kit, myth-or-fact questions and conversation cards together with your child.
What is happening to my child?
Start here when your child's body, periods, mood, energy or wellbeing begins to change.
How do I talk about it?
Find help starting conversations about the body, periods, sex, boundaries, feelings, pain and other difficult topics.
What should I know early enough?
Explore useful knowledge about puberty, menstruation, women's health, sexual health, boundaries, mental health and young people's rights.
When should we seek help?
Learn what to look out for, who to contact and when a healthcare professional should assess a concern.
A trusted adult
Children need adults willing to ask
Often, the most important thing is to be available, listen and take what your child tells you seriously. Show your child they can come to you with difficult experiences. Sometimes children need information. Other times they need help finding the words or support from another trusted adult or healthcare professional.
Tidlignok aims to help you understand what you can do yourself, when to give your child more room and when to seek further support.
Children and teenagers
Your child can also use Tidlignok independently
The resources for children and teenagers are designed so they can explore their bodies, health and personal questions at their own level and pace.