Developmental Milestones You Probably Aren't Prepared For | HuffPost

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As parents, we want to prepare our kids for the big milestones in life. Here are five we might not be ready for.

Alyson Schafer— The Huffington Post Canada

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All parents want their children to be prepared for the big developmental milestones in life, and this doesn’t just mean a drivers’ license or graduation. They can include the growth of under arm hair and developing street smarts.

The trouble is parents don’t always realize just how early these important conversations need to happen. For example, before your child hits puberty and before they start walking home from school alone.

Here are five milestones parents need to help prepare their kids for.

5 Shocking Milestones You Need To Prepare Your Kids For

1. Dieting(01 of51)

Fact: The average age of a first diet is eight years old (down from 14 in 1970). Tip: Talk about body image early. The media portrays body images that are unrealistic and unhealthy. Point out how the people on TV, in movies and in ads don’t look like the people in the change rooms at the local swimming pool. Watch your own language and attitude. Many parents are unaware of the power of a simple comment like, “Can you see my muffin top?” It’s important to always show self-acceptance of our own bodies. Great Resource: Common Sense Media (credit:kali.ma/Flickr)

2. Sex(02 of51)

Fact: 30 per cent of children have had sex by age 15 and over half by 17. Tip: Discussing sex does not condone or promote it. Instead, focus on ensuring your son or daughter respects their own feelings of readiness. No one should ever feel pressured to be intimate in any way. Kids also need to know how to protect themselves from unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Great Resource: It’s okay if you’re not comfortable raising these topics yourself. If so, point your children to Sexuality And U (credit:Jupiterimages)

3. Drinking(03 of51)

Fact: 41 per cent of students in grades seven to 12 report they have consumed alcohol in the past year and the likelihood of drinking only increases with age. Tip: We may feel we’re losing control of our children at this age, but we have more influence than we think. The key is for parents to avoid becoming more controlling at a time when we can best sway youth behaviour by maintaining a healthy and trusting relationship -- and that involves clear expectations, limits and boundaries. Great Resource: For more on how to prevent underage drinking, check out my six part video series called Family Talk About Drinking. (credit:f_mafra/Flickr)

4. Depression(04 of51)

Fact: 10 to 15 per cent of youth are currently depressed, with 14 being the average age of onset depression.Tip: Know the signs of depression and talk to your children about life stressors. Be sure they understand help is available and encourage them to speak to a counselor or trusted adult such as a coach or teacher for support. Great Resource: For a full list of signs of childhood depression and treatment options, check out Canadian Mental Health Association. (credit:zeitfaenger.at/Flickr)

5. Smoking(05 of51)

Fact: Average age of trying a cigarette is 11 to 13. Tip: Discuss the addictive qualities of nicotine and the peer pressure to experiment. Share your own stories of how you have handled this situation and what was effective. Help your kids practice ways to decline the offer to try a cigarette so they’re already comfortable saying "no" before the issue arises. Great Resource: Tobacco Free Kids (credit:Nadja Tatar/Flickr)

Beach Toys(06 of51)

Use mesh hampers from the Dollar Store to haul beach toys around... without the sand.

Source: The Idea Room

(credit:The Idea Room)

Hair Accessories(07 of51)

Organize your daughter's many, many, many hair accessories in a Dollar Store plastic craft box.

Source: The Idea Room

(credit:Pinterest)

Doll Accessories(08 of51)

These craft boxes are perfect for organizing a lot of things, including small doll accessories and Rainbow Loom elastics.

Credit: Pinterest

(credit:Pinterest)

Puzzle(09 of51)

Keep puzzles together in laundry mesh bags from the Dollar Store.

Source: Mad in Crafts

(credit:Mad in Crafts)

Bath Toys(10 of51)

Mesh bags and a couple of suction-cup hooks are all it takes to let bath toys dry out -- and stay together.

Source: Make it and Love it

(credit:Make it and Love it)

Puzzle Holders(11 of51)

As well, these Dollar Store zippered pouches are perfect for holding puzzles -- because puzzle boxes never last very long.

Source: Mothering with Creativity

(credit:Mothering with Creativity)

Travel Supplies(12 of51)

Small shoe organizers are perfect for holding all the supplies you need for kids on long car trips... or just going to the grocery store!

Source: Decor-ganize Crafts

(credit:Decor-ganize Crafts)

Key Chains(13 of51)

Use plastic animals from the Dollar Store and a bit of paint to create these cute keychains. These are great birthday party favours or for your own use!

Source: Gingersnap Blog

(credit:Gingersnap Blog)

DIY Ice Packs(14 of51)

Pick up sponges at the Dollar Store, soak them, put them in sandwich bags, stick them in the freezer and you've got ice packs perfect for your kids' boo-boos.

Source: The Kitchn

(credit:The Kitchn)

Crayon Holder(15 of51)

Plastic popsicle molds work really well as crayon holders.

Source: Teach Junkie

(credit:Teach Junkie)

Magnet Board(16 of51)

Use Dollar Store trays to make these cool magnet boards -- such a great way to stay organized (or try to!).

Source: Simplicity in the South

(credit:Simplicity in the South)

Ribbon Holder(17 of51)

Craft supplies can get unruly. Use one of these Dollar Store pen holders as a ribbon dispenser.

Source: Minimoz

(credit:Minimoz)

Craft Closet(18 of51)

Cheap Dollar store baskets are the perfect way to keep craft supplies where they belong!

Source: This is Happiness Blog

(credit:This is Happiness Blog)

Card Holders(19 of51)

Dollar Store travel soap holders are perfect for holding card decks.

Source: Shady Tree Diary

(credit:Shady Tree Diary)

Crayon Holder(20 of51)

They also work for crayons and other crafts supplies, like beads and Rainbow Loom elastics.

Source: Shady Tree Diary

(credit:Shady Tree Diary)

Magnets(21 of51)

As parents, we never seem to have enough magnets. They are handy for displaying kids' art and photos and holding coupons and lists on the fridge. Why not have personalized magnets, using glass beads from the Dollar Store?

Source: The Creative Place

(credit:The Creative Place)

Toothbrush Holder(22 of51)

Keep messy toothbrushes off the counter and organized with a labelled cutlery tray!

Source: Pinterest

(credit:Pinterest)

Easy Sand Removal(23 of51)

Bring some baby powder with you. At the end of the day, rub the powder on your kids and the sand instantly comes off!

Get the instructions here: I Heart Naptime

(credit:I Heart Naptime)

Fitted Sheet(24 of51)

Prop up the corners of a fitted sheet to help keep the sand off.

Source: Pinterest

(credit:Pinterest)

Mesh Hamper(25 of51)

Pick up a cheap mesh hamper from the Dollar Store and use it for beach toys. Perfect container for wet and sandy things!

Source: The Idea Room

(credit:The Idea Room)

Stop The Drip!(26 of51)

If you know you'll have popsicles, pack some cupcake liners! They're a great way to stop the melting popsicle from dripping all over your kids' hands.

Source: Instructables

(credit:Instructables)

Portable Snacks(27 of51)

Put some nut butter at the bottom of a plastic container and add some celery, carrots or any other vegetable for a perfect portable snack!

Get more ideas here: Choose to Thrive

(credit:Choose to Thrive)

Cold Water Supply(28 of51)

Fill a bottle, a quarter of the way, with water, then place it on it on its side in the freezer. Let the water freeze, making a perfect ice block that doesn't cover the bottle opening.

Just before you head to the beach, fill the rest of the bottle with water or your favourite drink and you have a cold drink! Also helps keep your picnic lunch cold.

Get the instructions here: Instructables

(credit:Instructables)

Hide Your Valuables(29 of51)

Hide Your Valuables, Take 2(30 of51)

Avoid The Floating Straw(31 of51)

If your family is having canned drinks with straws at the beach, there is an easy way to stop the straw from floating. Just turn the can tab around and put the straw through the tab.

Get the instructions here: Instructables

(credit:Instructables)

DIY Sunshade(32 of51)

Make your own portable beach shade!

Get the instructions: Creative Carissa

(credit:Creative Carissa)

Sunburn Relief(33 of51)

In case anyone gets a bit too much sun, freeze some aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray. When you get home, you'll have instant relief!

Source: Real Simple

(credit:Real Simple)

DIY Bowl(34 of51)

You don't even have to take the chips out to make this bowl out of the bag!

Get the instructions here: Instructables

(credit:Instructables)

Untangle Jewelry(35 of51)

This is a lifesaver for when the kids get into your jewelry drawer.

Source: Good Housekeeping

(credit:Good Housekeeping)

Air Freshener(36 of51)

Make your own air freshener by mixing baby powder with lavender or any other essential oil you love.

Source: Mommy Savers

(credit:Getty)

Avoid Blisters From Shoes(37 of51)

Source: Who What Wear

(credit:Who What Wear)

Unstick Cards(38 of51)

With kids in the house, things are bound to get sticky. To detach a deck of cards that are stuck together, just throw it in a bag with some baby powder and shake. This should do the trick!

Source: Good Housekeeping

(credit:Getty)

Repel Ants(39 of51)

If you have an ant problem in your home, this is a brilliant idea! Sprinkle some baby powder along your windowsills so the ants can’t get in. Ants hate the smell so they wouldn’t dare cross the line. This is also a good hack for families who like to go on picnics, but hate those tiny bugs.

Source: DIYN Crafts

(credit:Getty)

Dry Shampoo(40 of51)

This is a great trick for your teens who often wake up way too late to shower before school. If your teen (or even you) need a quick fix for greasy hair, just dab some baby powder into your roots and rub. This will absorb the oil and leave you with deceivingly clean hair.

Source: While Camden Sleeps

(credit:While Camden Sleeps)

Pet Shampoo(41 of51)

Speaking of dry shampoo, this can also work with pets! If your cat or dog is in need of freshening up, just rub some baby oil onto their fur, let it sit for a few minutes, nd then brush. This removes any oil buildup in their fur and will leave them smelling fresh.

Source: DIYN Crafts

(credit:Getty)

Sweaty Feet(42 of51)

This is a given! Baby powder in your shoes will absorb the sweat and keep your shoes smelling fresh.

Source: Maddee Shaw Beauty Blog

(credit:Brit + Co)

Remove Oil Stains(43 of51)

Get rid of oil or grease stains on your clothes by applying baby powder to them and leaving them overnight. The baby powder should absorb the oil right up.

Source: My Honey’s Place

(credit:My Honey’s Place)

Noisy Floorboards(44 of51)

If you hate hearing your noisy floorboards -- especially when your kids are running around the house on the weekend -- then try this trick! Pour some baby powder into the cracks and the noise will be gone just like that.

Source: Skinny Mom

(credit:Skinny Mom)

Prevent Chaffing(45 of51)

Good idea for kids and parents with sensitive skin.

Source: 1000 Life Hacks

(credit:1000 Life Hacks)

Goodbye Sand(46 of51)

This is a great summertime life hack. When your little ones are covered in sand after a day at the beach, just rub some baby powder on and the sand will fall right off!

Source: I Heart Naptime

(credit:I Heart Naptime)

Cool Down(47 of51)

Cool down your bed on warm summer nights by sprinkling some baby powder onto your sheets. This will also help absorb any sweat or moisture in your sheets.

Source: Fabulessly Frugal

(credit:Bollywood Shaadis)

Purse Stains(48 of51)

Source: Who What Wear

(credit:Who What Wear)

Remove Musty Smells(49 of51)

Sprinkle baby powder on to old furniture or books to get rid of that musty smell and replace it with a fresh scent.

Source: Skinny Mom

(credit:Shutterstock)

Rubber Glove Friction(50 of51)

Parents who use rubber gloves to wash dishes or clean the house know how annoying it is to put those gloves on. Since the gloves stick to moisture on your hands, try applying baby powder on your hands. This will help you to slip those gloves on.

Source: Skinny Mom

(credit:Getty)

Deodorant(51 of51)

If you’ve run out of deodorant and are in need, baby powder is a good substitute. Just rub some under your arms to eliminate sweat and bad smells.

Source: DIYN Crafts

(credit:Getty)

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