Parents & Caregivers

January 2011

Body Basics

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Pimples, budding breasts, feelings of attraction — the physical changes of the teen and pre-teen years can be tough on a girl. And being a parent or caregiver isn’t simple, either! Learn how to help girls take care of their great, growing bodies in the updated Parents and Caregivers “Body” section of girlshealth.gov. You can read about:

• Ways to encourage healthy habits
• Tips for talking about sex and relationships
• Dealing with period problems
• Helping girls handle puberty
• When girls should see a gynecologist
• Hot topics, like sleep, backpacks, earbuds, makeup, and more!

Tell girls how much you care about their health. Of course, no parent or caregiver handles every issue well every time. Keep in mind that you can always raise a tough topic again later. Above all, remember that your support is helping a girl become a strong woman who knows how to take care of her body and her future.

• Hearing Loss Rising Among Teen Girls, Study Finds
  

• Preteens With Conduct Disorders Risk Violence, Delinquency as Teens
  

• Lifetime of Arthritis Has Not Held Back Teen
  

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women's Health