Mum-of-two Nadia Sawalha, has teamed up with Boots to inspire parents with the launch of #TeenTalk that aims to get teens and parents talking about puberty.

Along with her teenage daughter Maddie, 13, brands like Always, Gillette, Tampax, Venus and Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel are reaching out to encourage parents to have the ‘talk’ with their teenage children.

Their research revealed that one in five parents are unsure about how to start the puberty conversation, so much so that a quarter avoid it altogether.

17% of parents even admitted that the puberty talk was more uncomfortable than doing a presentation at work!

Nadia, who is an ambassador for #TeenTalk, explained why she wanted to get involved: “As a mum, I understand all too well the challenges of communicating with teens. They suddenly go from wanting to tell mum everything, to one-word answers!

“And you can’t solve things with a quick cuddle or a sweet treat. First shaves, first periods and new personal hygiene and skincare regimes are all unfamiliar experiences for teens and can be difficult topics for parents to approach.”

Whilst parents find the ‘talk’ awkward, 76% of them still want to be their child’s first port of call for help and advice, no matter what the topic.

Almost half of teens revealed that they were happy speaking to their mum about this sort of topic, which is why #TeenTalk wanted to get a motherly figure involved.

However, over half (53%) of teens did admit to turning to social media and digital channels to find information, instead of having the chat with a parent.

Nadia commented on the fact that teens now have access to wider resources like social media, saying: “It’s difficult, as we are the first generation of mums to be going through this conversation with a child so connected to social media.

“There’s no rule book to follow or mums and grandmothers to ask for advice. Just like our teens, we’re figuring it all out as we go. It’s another of those firsts!”

And Maddie, Nadia’s daughter, also opened up about how difficult it can be as a teenager to talk to your parents about certain topics, but also why she thinks it’s a good idea to have the confidence to ask. She said:

“I know that talking to mum might not always seem like the easiest thing to do, especially about topics like puberty! Sometimes you don’t feel like talking and sometimes you have lots of questions but might feel a bit embarrassed. But remember, they’ve been through it too and they know everything you’re experiencing is completely natural, so just keep talking.”

There is no right or wrong way to help prepare your child for puberty, but according to #TeenTalk, parents feel the best way to start the conversation is to have a one-to-one chat, or even have a cup of tea on the sofa.

And #TeenTalk’s number one tip? “Be honest and open”.

More than half of parents surveyed said having trusted information would make the approach to having the conversation much easier, which is why Boots stores will have a free guide from 11th to 30th May, available for everyone.

Have you had the ‘talk’ with your children yet? How did you go about it?

Let us know via Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).