Dr. Cara Natterson and Vanessa Kroll Bennett, the dynamic duo behind the book This Is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained and the co-hosts of The Puberty Podcast, were on the show a few years ago when their book was first published, and so I was eager to have them back on for a deeper conversation about the often awkward but incredibly important stage of growing up called puberty and how parents can better support their kids through it, especially when neurodivergence adds an extra layer of complexity. In our conversation, we dive into the early onset of puberty, what’s new in the updated paperback edition of This Is So Awkward, and their vision for a more comprehensive, affirming approach to health education. We also talk about the unique challenges for parents of neurodivergent kids and why all of us—parents, educators, and communities—need better tools and language to support young people through this pivotal time. Ultimately, we’re talking about whole child development. Because every child no matter their age, race, socio economic status, brain wiring, will go through this stage of life. And as it turns out, what all kids need to emerge more seen and whole is the same thing.

About Cara Natterson, MD

Cara Natterson, MD, is a pediatrician, consultant, and New York Times bestselling author. She’s also the co-founder and CEO of Order of Magnitude, a company dedicated to flipping puberty positive. Cara’s books focus largely on puberty — some written for the kids going through it, and others for the adults helping them along the way. Her list of titles includes The Care and Keeping of You series with more than 7 million copies in print. While this reach is incredible, the written word is only one way to transform the experience of adolescence.

About Vanessa Kroll Bennett

Vanessa Kroll Bennett is a puberty educator and writer, a podcaster, and entrepreneur who helps adults navigate uncertainty while they support the kids they love. Vanessa is the co-host of The Puberty Podcast which is exactly what it sounds like and the founder of Dynamo Girl, a company focused on building kids’ self-esteem through sports, puberty education and parent workshops. Vanessa consults with organizations, large and small, on how to authentically engage children in their communities. 

Things you'll learn from this episode 

• How the average age of puberty is shifting earlier, beginning as young as 8 to 10 years old

• Why parents and educators need reliable, science-based information to navigate early puberty confidently

• How neurodivergent children may experience puberty differently and benefit from tailored support

• Why it’s essential to include boys in open, ongoing conversations about puberty and development

• How empowering children with knowledge and advocacy can positively shape their growth and self-understanding

• Why collaboration between parents, educators, and experts leads to stronger, more inclusive health education

Resources mentioned

• This is So Awkward: Modern Puberty Explained by Cara Natterson, MD and Vanessa Kroll Bennett

• Dr. Cara Natterson’s website, the Worry-Proof MD

• This is So Awkward

• Dynamo Girl (Vanessa Bennett’s website)

• Uncertain Parenting Newsletter

• Less Awkward on Instagram

• Vanessa on Instagram

• The Order of Magnitude

• Oomla

• The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls by Cara Natterson

• Decoding Boys: New Science Behind the Subtle Art of Raising Sons by Cara Natterson

• What You Need to Know About Modern-Day Puberty, with Cara Natterson & Vanessa Kroll Bennett (Tilt Parenting Podcast)

• Sex Education and Our Differently Wired Kids, with Amy Lang (Tilt Parenting podcast)

• Sex Educator Amy Lang Talks About Kids and Pornography (Tilt Parenting podcast)

• Amy Lang on How Having “The Talk” Can Help Keep Your Kids Safe Online (Tilt Parenting podcast)

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