Puberty – how to best cope with it

The lecture will be led by:

PhDr. Václav Mertin

Psychologist

PhDr. Václav Mertin has more than 45 years of experience in educational and psychological counselling, and for more than 30 years he was a teacher at the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Charles University in Prague, where he focused on educational, school, and counselling psychology.

His expertise lies in psychology in education, particularly the individualisation of the educational approach to children, learning and behavioural difficulties, children starting school, homeschooling, and parent counselling. He is the author of numerous professional and popular publications.

Lecture content:

1. Phases of puberty: What the individual phases of puberty are and what changes during this period – both physically and mentally.

2. Emotional challenges: How to cope with mood swings, identity issues, and acceptance problems. The influence of hormonal changes on the child's psyche.

3. Communication with children: How to talk openly about the changes and issues that accompany puberty (e.g. relationships, self-concept).

4. Support and understanding: How parents and teachers can support children during this difficult period to make them feel safer and more respected.

5. Social interactions: How puberty affects relationships with peers and family, and strategies for maintaining healthy relationships during puberty.