7 Thoughtful Ways to Help Your Daughter Navigate Puberty with Confidence

1. Talk about It

One of the very best ways to help your daughter deal with puberty is to talk about it with her. Don’t leave her out there to face puberty on her own. Let her know what changes will happen in her body, from growth spurts to hormonal shifts. This helps her to know what to expect so that it is less shocking when these changes occur. It is best to talk to her about these things in a straightforward, matter-of-fact way, ensuring she feels supported rather than self-conscious. By creating an open environment early on, you set a healthy foundation for the years ahead.

2. Read a Book Together

This is something that I did with my daughter that seemed to really help. If your daughter is uncomfortable with this option, you can always get her some books to read on her own. Reading a book together is good because it opens up a lot of opportunities for discussion. A couple of classic books we both liked were The Body Book by Nancy Rue and The Care and Keeping of You, which is an American Girl publication. Of course, it’s a good idea to preview any book before you allow your children to read it.

Recommended reading options to explore together include:

3. Be Open about It

Your attitude about puberty will affect your daughter’s attitude about puberty. If you treat it like something that is a taboo subject and not to be talked about, she will too. If you treat it like another natural part of life, she will pick up on that positive perspective as well. Then it will be something that she feels free to talk to you about without shame or embarrassment. This positive communication pattern can carry over into other aspects of your relationship as mother and daughter, as well as helping when she wants to ask tricky questions down the road.

4. Welcome Questions

It is best to have an attitude that welcomes your daughter’s questions. Tell her that you want her to come to you with any questions she may have, no matter how small or awkward they might seem. Let her know you are always open to receiving them. I have always preferred that my children come to me with their questions instead of going to someone else, such as a peer in their age group who might share inaccurate rumors. I am sure most parents feel that way as well.

5. Let Her Deal in Her Own Way

Your daughter is her own unique person, as you have most likely discovered by the time she is ready for puberty. Her personality is probably going to be at least a little different than yours. Therefore, she will deal with puberty in her own way. She may want to talk about it a lot or very little. She may want to be alone with her thoughts about it, and that’s completely okay. Giving her space while remaining accessible is key to respecting her personal preferences.

6. Honor Her Preferences

Your daughter is going to have her own preferences about things during puberty. She may prefer a different brand of hygiene pads or personal care items than you do. She may have a specific taste in the styles or colors of bras she chooses. Those choices are completely fine. As long as she is not doing anything unhealthy, let her make her own choices and build independence.

7. Enjoy the Fun Aspects

Puberty is a time of great changes for a young person. They aren’t all easy or pleasant for her. But there are some fun aspects you can enjoy together as mother and daughter. Celebrate her becoming a young woman by doing some fun bonding activities together. A day of shopping, trying out new skincare routines, or getting pedicures together are a couple of ideas you may enjoy.

These ideas are some you can use to help your daughter deal with puberty. Do you have other ideas on this subject? I would love to learn from you!