—Introduce small concepts throughout the year

—Keep the information time to about 7 minutes

—Make sure it is a fun time together

—A change in body odor is one of the first signs

As these young girls look out over a beautiful sunrise, they probably are not aware their body is also entering a new day, the early days of puberty. If your daughter is about 8-9 years old, she could easily be one of these girls.

Preparing your daughter for puberty is on the mind of every mom. The question is how best to do this and when should you start. I encourage moms to begin talking about the changes your daughter will begin to notice by the time she is about 8-years-old. You have an entire year to repeat the important points and help her become comfortable talking about puberty with you.  

The way to have a casual conversation is to follow a pattern I am encouraging. It is called a 7-Minute Chat. What does that mean? It means only sharing seven minutes of information in a fun time together. Seven minutes is a great time limit that will hold your daughter’s attention and not overwhelm her. You won’t be overwhelmed either! There is a lot for her to learn over the next few years, but it is best to have small chats in a fun setting as there are opportunities.

For example, one of the first changes she will notice, and you will too, is a change in her body odor. In preparation for that seven minute time together, think about what you want to say. It should be simple.

Now that you are 8-years-old, your body is going to start to change. One of the first changes you will notice is that you might start to smell different. Have you noticed that yet? Have you noticed it in any of your friends? Let’s get ready and go shopping.

Go to the store and purchase deodorant and a body wash of her choice. Make it fun. Include a special treat, and you are off to a great start. 

Simple, brief, and fun. That’s the goal. We want her to look forward to these times with you and feel secure there won’t be a big lecture as part of the experience. These are special times shared with mom.