Navigating puberty

Save this for the tween years.

It might feel like your baby was just born and all of a sudden they are changing. Here are our top tips for navigating this time- the good news is you. don’t need to be an expert at anything. It might seem big and daunting for you but we pinkie swear it is not that bad. It can be a special bonding time for you and your girl.

1. Conversations. We say start early so nothing is shocking. This book by the American Girl Doll team was super helpful. There are two books – a starter then a more in depth one. We started the books around age 8 so we had lots of time for questions and conversations. We talked a a lot about how puberty is the normal and universal experience of your body changing from a children’s body to an adult body. Hormones are what drives these changes and also some emotional waves. Some girls begin as early as 8 and some are later.
2. Products to keep on hand. We like to have a variety of products available. We go with all non toxic and like the following product because of the teen friendly packaging and directions. We made a little bag of necessities like wipes and the below to have in he school backpack and in her bathroom so she would be prepared.
   • Pinkie Pads have lots of great size and type options.
   • LOLA is a great non toxic tampon company. (A friend suggested practicing inserting them into a water bottle)
   • Knix has a wonderful teen line of underwear and swimwear that is leak proof. This has been WONDERFUL. I cannot imagine navigating this without these items.
3. Additional considerations
   • Nood offers at home permanent laser hair removal. I personally used it (I am blond with fair skin and it worked great) allowing my daughter to observe before she was willing to use it herself. Pool days are much easier now.
   • This is a great option for treating pimples that may arise.
   • Big emotions can happen while their hormones are shifting so remind yourself not to take things personally. Model apologizing and taking ownership when your emotions get the best of you and allow them to do the same.
   • A heating pad and over the counter cramp medicine is good to have on hand.
   • We found the book The Confidence Code for Girls to be really wonderful and it times nicely with all of these changes. The workbook is great too.
   • We loved using a period tracker app so the tween can know what to expect when.