If your daughter is 8-9 years old, she is likely at the very beginning of puberty. So where do you start? I have a plan that will help you to guide her through the early years of puberty and help it become a special bonding time between the two of you.

Every couple of weeks, plan a time for the two you to be alone together. So many times, we think of these as serious talks rather than fun and inspiring explorations together.  If you are happy and excited, she will follow your lead and begin down a path of celebration of the changes that are coming as she matures.

Let’s use one of the first early signs that both you and your daughter will notice as an example of a small aspirational time together. This sign is a change in body odor. Some useful information for her to learn is that the change in body odor doesn’t come from everywhere in her body. This illustration will give her a great visual of the locations.
 

Illustration from I’m a Girl, My Changing Body

The change in her body is because of a change in hormones that help usher in puberty. After your 7-minute chat, it might be a good idea to conclude this time together at the store where she can select a deodorant of her choice in preparation for this change.

There are other early signs of puberty like a change in her breasts because of the appearance of breast buds, and a noticeable change in emotions. Approach each topic as we have this one. Just 7-minutes worth of information while having fun together.

These special times together throughout the first few years of early puberty are not only inspirational, but they also set a pattern for times together you can rely on as your daughter matures through the last couple of years of puberty.