Talking to your daughter about her growing body
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Adolescence can be a difficult phase for girls, especially when they begin to notice their bodies changing. Girls Elevated, a Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital event, will aim to give parents and young girls tips on how to effectively communicate and manage these changes to help make growing up a little easier.
“The thought process in young girls and teens is very different than in adult women,” said Dr. Jennifer Dietrich, professor of pediatrics – obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor and chief of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Texas Children’s Hospital. “We wanted to create an event that will give them tools to protect themselves and to gain knowledge early and continue on a path of healthy development.”
At the event, a team of experts will give teen and preteen girls knowledge they need to navigate the changes and challenges that lie ahead. They will experience fun and interactive sessions that will cover critical topics, from healthy relationships to the real image of beauty to coping with sexual pressures.
In addition, parents and caregivers will hear expert advice to help strengthen their bond with their teen, including setting boundaries and talking to adolescents about difficult subjects.
Topics for the girls will include:
- Puberty and menses
- Being a good friend
- Personal safety
- Assertiveness
- Mood management
- Preventative care
- Healthy relationships
Topics for the adult parents and caregivers will include:
- What's “normal”
- Contraception: Myths and benefits
- Difficult conversations
- Drugs and addiction
Girls ages 8 to 18 should attend this event with their parents or caregivers. There will be separate sessions for elementary, middle school and high school girls, as well as adults.
“Our goal is to instill some empowerment and give them knowledge about their bodies,” Dietrich said. “We hope to bring to light the community resources that they have access to.”
The event will be held on Saturday, Feb. 29, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the United Way – Greater Houston. Ticket price includes breakfast, snacks, lunch and parking. Purchase tickets online. For more information, contact Ann Tims, 832-826-7464.