My oldest daughter, who will be 11 in April, started puberty about six months or so ago. She has all but one of the signs. She is growing pubic and underarm hair. Her breasts are starting to grow. She has body odor. And, she has the start of the attitude. The only thing that she doesn't have is her period. Every time I try to talk to her about what is happening to her, she says that she doesn't want to grow up. She hates the fact that she is growing up. No matter how much I try to console her, it doesn't seem to be easing her fears.
I thought that maybe I could get a book about girls growing up that she and I can read together, similar to the one I read when I was growing up. That way if she has questions about something in the book, I am right there to answer the questions. Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the book I had when I was growing up. The problem I am having is that there are so many of this type of book out there that I don't know which one to get. I am looking for a book that will help her through this process. A book that will give her all the information she needs without getting too technical. I want the book to contain both the physical and emotional parts of growing up.
I was hoping that I could get recommendations from you moms out there. Thanks, in advance.
For my daughter I bought "The Care & Keeping of You for Girls". You can look thru it virtually at amazon.com.
"What's Happening to my Body" by Lynda Madaras. It's for 9-12 yr. olds. I got it for my daughter when she was ~9-10 (she developed early) & it worked well.
http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Girls-Revised-Third...
I had a book called "What's Happening To Me?"
It was a simple, lighthearted book with all the basic information and illustrations. It did also talk a bit about the feelings you may have. My sister, my cousin, and I used to compare our "progress" against the pictures and diagrams in the book. I can't really remember how in depth it got with having a period, but you have first hand experience with that so it might be better coming from you. If she knows what to expect, then it won't be so traumatic when it actually happens. I think you should celebrate it when it happens, make her feel really special. Then it might not seem so devastating for her to "grow up."
"Are you there God, it's me Margaret." was an awesome book when I was a kid. I think it is by Judy Blume. Talks about four girls who are friends and they are going through puberty around the same time and the struggles and feelings they have abut this process.
American Girl has a great book called All About Me. I highly recommend it
Go to your local library and talk to the children's librarian. They have tons of books on this topic and they can give you a list and then you can go and check them out and pick the ones you approve of.
http://generationsofvirtue.org/store/index.php/books-for-...
I really loved these books called beautifully made. The first book is about what to expect and how to prepare, the 2nd book is what to do when it does happen and and the third is for the mom. Great set and they are super easy to read.
I've heard good things about the American Girl book. My sister got it for my niece.
Dear F.,
Remember how hard it may have been for you growing up. Maybe she does not want to deal with the hormonal thing right now. I was that way...however, understand that the more that she understands herself, the more that she is able to be in control of those feelings. I got very little info, I know pharmaceuticals will give you teenage books and pamphlets to read, but do you want the info coming from a biased entity.
I say, give her a lot to read, hold her accountable for her actions and emotions, and, if educated properly, she will rise to the occasion of making good decisions about her health and life style. Dr. Laura Pawlak, author of , "Estrogen Dilemas", (I got it on line) is very educational....I would recommend this book to everyone woman, especially those going to college, who may not have their mother around all the time to talk.
A lot of kids feel this way: the changes are scary.
In addition to the book, I would suggest that you talk to the school counselor for some tips & suggestions about dealing with this. They will have real, first hand knowledge of ways to help her through this.
Also, keep letting her know a) you think she is beautiful, and she will keep growing more beautiful, even through these weird/awkward changes, and b) you are always there for her to talk to or ask questions about stuff and that you won't judge (and don't judge, even if you have to pinch yourself or bite your own tongue not to react).
If she doesn't want to talk, give her the book, and let her look at it on her own. Then, after a week or two, sit down with her and ask her if she has any questions. And if she doesn't ask any, have some prepared that you think she might want to know about and say, "You might not feel comfortable talking about your body, but here is something that I was surprised to learn when ...."
I loved the book "Are you there God it's me Margaret" I think it was by judy blume really good book for all these feelings.
I remember reading hey god,its me margaret,by Judy Blume. There is also supposed to be a book out from american girl-the one who makes the dolls about growing up. She is probably scared and does not know what to expect. It is a good thing you are a caring and concerned mom so I know she will be fine.
I am currently reading Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson and he mentions an audiobook he did on this topic. I looked it up on amazon. It's called Preparing for Adolescence: How to Survive the Coming Years of Change - Audio CD - Audiobook (Sept. 17, 1999) by Dr. James Dobson Ph.D
I have not listened to it (my DD is 6 months old) but I trust James Dobson's reputation. He is the head of Focus on the Family.
American Girl has a book like that.
I had "What's Happening to Me" too! Here it is: http://www.amazon.com/Whats-Happening-Me-Guide-Puberty/dp...
I read, "Are You There, God? It's me, Margaret." I loved the book and it was a perfect amount of detail for me... Not too technical at all.
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I read, "Are You There, God? It's me, Margaret." I loved the book and it was a perfect amount of detail for me... Not too technical at all.
When my little sister was going thru this a few years ago the school nurse did a class with females only one day and said she had books in her office for each girl if they wanted to come by. My lil sis do go by and it was all about what to expect with a teen body it seems to cover alot of good points. U may wanna check with ur daughters school nurse for any books or info to help her.
