Now that your daughter is nearing the last few years of puberty, she probably wonders what is happening in a boy’s body at a similar age. Here are some suggestions about how to start that conversation with her.

Ask her if she has noticed that she seems different than some of her male friends she has known for a long time. Part of the reason for this difference is that girls go through puberty about a year before boys of the same age. While she is struggling with her first period and growth spurts, the boys are still waiting for puberty to happen. This could lead to an interesting conversation about the changes that she has noticed.

Ask her if she realizes that boys also go through emotional ups and downs just like girls do during puberty. You can explain to her that her brain and a boy’s brain are rapidly developing and setting them up to become young adults. During this time of big transition comes emotional ups and downs for both. You can talk about how the change in her friendships has made her feel?

The changes in your daughter’s friendships with her male friends are a big deal for her. She might be a little resistant in the beginning to talk about it, but just start casual conversations and help guide her through this important transition time in her life.