Connecting With Your Preteen Daughter

If your accommodating little angel has recently sprouted horns, take heart. It's all a part of the growing process. The preteen years are frequently marked by roller-coaster emotions, secretiveness and tears as your daughter stumbles along on the road to becoming a teen. Make her journey a little easier by being there to pick up the pieces when things fall apart.

  1. Encourage Her New Interests

    • Your preteen is beginning to come into her own. She's finding new passions from listening to peers and the media. Foster her new interests by taking part wherever you can. If she's suddenly obsessed with fashion, take her shopping. If she wants to try a new sport, such as cheerleading, be there to fund and support her. She may want more unscheduled time with friends. Encourage her by having friends over after school and on weekends.

    She's Never Too Big for a Hug

    • Even though she may seem a bit more prickly these days, it doesn't mean your preteen daughter doesn't need a parental hug daily. Hugs, kisses, and kind words are even more important now that she's entering her tumultuous teens. These years bring with them anxiety, eagerness to conform and emotions brought on by physical changes. These are the days your daughter most needs your hugs and unconditional support.

    Make Time for Important Discussions

    • Teen years bring with them unfamiliar emotions and body responses. Be alert to any discomfort your preteen may show concerning her body and feelings. Even if you find it difficult to do, remember to sit down with your daughter and have those talks about the tough subjects. Menstruation, boys and mean girls might all top the list of things parents least want to discuss, but they're all topics of huge importance to a preteen girl.

    Spend Time Together as a Family

    • As your kids develop their own social circles and participate more in extracurricular activities, family time sometimes falls by the wayside. Ensure this doesn't happen to you and your preteen by taking time out for family meals, annual vacations and unstructured time spent together. Even chores such as yard work and housekeeping are more enjoyable when the whole family joins in. The point is to reinforce to your daughter that she's an important cog in a family machine that could never run correctly without her.

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