Buzz
To help a preteen girl get ready for the changes puberty brings, have open and honest conversations with her, even if it feels uncomfortable. The key is to explain the upcoming changes in her body, including menstruation and sexuality, openly and be ready to answer her questions. Additionally, ensure she has necessary items in advance, such as period products, deodorant, facial cleanser, and a training bra. Reassure her that you'll be there to support her whenever she needs.
Steps
Helping Her Adapt to Physical Changes
Buy her a training bra once her breasts begin to develop. Breast development is one of the noticeable changes during puberty. Let your daughter know this is a normal part of growing up and varies for each girl. When she starts to develop, take her shopping for a training bra to help her feel comfortable with her changing body. It'll make her feel really good.
- Some girls may start experiencing this change as early as eight years old.
- If your daughter asks for a training bra before signs of development, consider getting her one to encourage her body autonomy and ensure her comfort.
Encourage her to establish a regular bathing and showering routine. As your daughter grows older, it's important for her to take charge of her personal hygiene and set up a consistent schedule for it. Emphasize the importance of showering or bathing at least once daily and washing her hair at least twice a week, or once every one to two weeks if she has black hair. Help her decide whether she prefers to do this in the morning or before bedtime.
- If she participates in sports, she may need to bathe more frequently to maintain good hygiene.
Teach her proper facial cleansing techniques to prevent acne. Acne is common among teenagers, but good hygiene practices can help minimize it. Demonstrate to your daughter how to cleanse her face effectively in the morning and evening to remove oil and dirt buildup, which can lead to breakouts. If her skin tends to be dry, show her how to moisturize after cleansing.
- Assist your daughter in selecting a suitable face wash and moisturizer for her specific skin type.
Provide her with deodorant or antiperspirant to manage body odor. During puberty, sweat glands in the underarms become more active, resulting in sweat and odor. Purchase underarm deodorant for your daughter to minimize body odor or antiperspirant to reduce sweat production. Encourage her to apply it daily after bathing.
- If she prefers, take your daughter shopping for deodorant or antiperspirant so she can choose her preferred brand and scent.
Discuss shaving with your daughter when she starts to develop body hair. Assure her that it's normal for body hair to grow during puberty, especially in the underarms, pubic area, and legs. Let her know that shaving is optional and not required if she's not comfortable with it. If she decides to shave, teach her the proper techniques to avoid cuts.
- Start her off with shaving cream and a single-blade razor to minimize the risk of cuts.
- Alternatively, consider giving her an electric or battery-operated razor for a safer but less close shave.
Discussing Menstruation
- Illustrate the sequence of events over the 28-day cycle. Understanding each phase of the menstrual cycle provides valuable and practical knowledge.
Discuss the emotional impacts of menstruation. Prepare girls for the hormonal fluctuations they may encounter during their menstrual cycle. Describe how hormone levels decrease just before menstruation, leading to feelings of sadness, irritability, or mood swings. Assure her that these emotions are common and entirely normal.
- Offer reassurance that there are ways to lift her spirits when she experiences these feelings, and that they are temporary.
Offer reassurance regarding the physical symptoms of menstruation. PMS symptoms and menstrual cramps can be challenging for most women. Explain that these are temporary effects of the menstrual cycle and can be managed. Provide information on effective remedies, such as:
- Using a hot water bottle or heating pad to alleviate cramps.
- Taking a warm bath or shower.
- Using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to lessen cramp severity.
- Incorporating exercise and healthy eating to reduce PMS-related bloating.
Equip your child with various menstrual products in advance. Ensure your bathroom is stocked with pads, tampons, or other menstrual products so they're readily available when your daughter experiences her first period. Explain how to use them and encourage her to try each option at her own pace to determine her preference. Provide her with a small carry-case of supplies to take to school when the time comes.
- Instruct her on proper disposal methods for pads or tampons.
- Consider purchasing a menstrual cup as an alternative reusable option. Period underwear and reusable pads are also sustainable alternatives.
Guiding Her in Decision-Making
Have open and honest conversations with your child about sexual health and contraception. While you might think your child is too young to discuss sex during puberty, they may encounter information about it from friends, TV, movies, or social media. Ensure your daughter receives accurate information about sex by talking about it candidly. Address any questions she may have and encourage her to inquire about anything she wants to learn.
- Include discussions about safe sex practices, contraception, peer pressure, and health risks as part of a comprehensive sex education.
Support your daughter in maintaining a healthy body image during puberty. Weight fluctuations are common for girls during and after puberty due to changes in metabolism. Reassure your daughter that weight gain is a normal aspect of her development and not a cause for insecurity. Stress the importance of balanced nutrition and regular exercise for overall well-being, regardless of her weight.
- Discuss eating disorders with your daughter to acknowledge that certain weight-related behaviors can be harmful and unhealthy.
- Explain that sugary or processed foods are detrimental in large quantities because they lack essential nutrients, rather than solely focusing on their calorie content.
- Keep nutritious snacks readily available in your kitchen for your daughter to enjoy.
- Teach her that occasional indulgences are acceptable, but they should not comprise the majority of her diet.
Equip her with strategies to resist peer pressure involving drugs and alcohol. Peer influence can begin early among preteens, so it's essential to prepare your daughter as soon as possible. Engage in open and honest conversations about drugs and alcohol, addressing any questions she may have. Offer practical examples of how to handle pressure to experiment with these substances, such as:
- Providing a specific reason for refusing, such as avoiding smoking due to asthma.
- Assertively and clearly expressing her refusal to convey her message effectively.
- Removing herself from situations where she feels pressured to engage in unwanted activities.
- Contacting home for assistance if a situation escalates beyond her control.
- Spending time with friends who opt out of drug and alcohol use.
Conversation Assistance
Initiating Discussions with Your Preteen Daughter about Puberty Expectations
Initiating a Conversation About Menstruation with Your Preteen
Engaging in Dialogues on Healthy Choices with Your Preteen DaughterPrepare Your Daughter for Puberty with this Expert Series
1
Celebrate Your Daughter's First Steps into Adolescence
2
Explaining Menstrual Cycles to Your Preteen Girl
3
Create a Puberty Survival Kit for Your Daughter
4
Initiate a Conversation with Your Daughter About Puberty
5
Handling Getting Your First Period While Away from Home
6
Assist in Preparing a Preteen Girl for Puberty Challenges
Pointers
- If she finds it awkward discussing certain aspects of puberty with you, direct her to a trustworthy and medically-accurate website or book for information.
- Highlight that puberty and its changes are individual experiences, and there's no standard timeline for how her body should develop.
