How To Chat With Your Daughter About Her Body

Time has flown by and your baby girl is not so little anymore; she’s blossoming into a woman and she’ll soon be coming to you with the many questions that come with a confusing time-puberty.

Sure, Health class covers the basics but your daughter may have questions she’s too embarrassed to ask in class so it’s important to have an open mind and answer questions drawing from your own experiences to help make this awkward conversation not so uncomfortable.

As you know this can be a difficult time for you girl due to all of the physical and hormonal changes she’ll be experiencing, keep the conversation honest and as informational as you can. The more informed your daughter is, the more prepared she’ll be for the changes coming her way.

If you’re the one feeling embarrassed and have no idea how to even begin this chat with your daughter then try talking to her about what changes she can expect to happen to her body. Breast development, underarm hair, pubic hair, vaginal discharge, breakouts and of course the big one-her period, are all things that will occur that may have her wondering what it’s going to be like and if it’s all “normal.” The important thing is to let her know that every girl is different and develops in her own time. This is the age where many girls will begin comparing themselves to others so let her know that there really is no such thing as “normal.”

Besides all of the changes she’ll be experiencing physically (hello growth spurt and boobies), it’s also important she understand different topics such as personal hygiene, microbiome, pH and what products to use/not use.

About a year before your daughter gets her period she’ll more than likely start noticing a yellow or white stain on her undies, let her know that vaginal discharge is perfectly normal unless if she starts to experience any itching or foul odors. This is an ideal time to talk to her about vaginal hygiene. If she’s already gotten her period then make sure she knows the importance of changing her tampon or sanitary pad often to help keep her clean and prevent infections. Infections can also occur from wearing undergarments that don’t have a cotton or natural fiber crotch as well as by sitting in your sweaty underwear after a workout-if you have a daughter who is an athlete, these tips are especially important for maintaining her vaginal health!

During menstruation, your daughter will also notice the undesired odor that comes along with it and she may have questions surrounded by vaginal washes in order to keep her clean and fresh. It’s important she knows that she should only be using all-natural products such as our pH Balancing Cleanser and Do It All Wipes in order to maintain a healthy pH level. The harsh chemicals scented soaps and cleansers contain can be harmful for such a sensitive area and can kill off the good bacteria our bodies need.

Another fun fact they don’t particularly teach in class but women should know about is gut health! With hormones beginning to take a more active role in your daughter’s life, she’ll start to experience breakouts which is every teen’s nightmare! The good news is your daughter can somewhat take control and reduce her breakouts by nourishing her gut microbiome with probiotics. Our bodies need good bacteria in order to keep our gut flora balanced and able to do its jobs of aiding in digestion, producing anti-inflammatory molecules and nutrient absorption! Our Good Girl Probiotics are an easy way for your pubescent teen to start incorporating good bacteria into her daily routine if she’s not a fan of eating fermented foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut.

This age in your daughter’s life can also be a tough time for you as a parent; she’s a teen now which means she’ll most likely start preferring alone time or hanging out with her friends over spending time with you but don’t take it personally, this is typical behavior as you may recall yourself! Hang in there and remember that no matter how awkward a conversation can be, just listen and answer any questions as best you can, your daughter will appreciate the transparency!