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Expert Q&A

	By Tracy Underwood Child and Adolescent Psychologist Children's Medical Center of Dallas

Can you recommend any good books that talk about body changes in young girls? I know that I will talk to my daughter about this stuff myself, but maybe a book can answer some questions for her that she's too embarrassed to ask me."

Even in the closest relationships between mothers and daughters, personal questions about the changes associated with puberty can be very embarrassing. I think it's great that you are considering supplementary material for your daughter. There are some wonderful books available for girls as they transition into puberty and beyond. You can find them at your local bookstore. Be sure to read them yourself first to ensure a good fit for your child's maturity level.

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls, by Valorie Schaefer, is part of the American Girl Library and is a really good reference for girls ages 8 through 12. It offers information and advice on practical things like hygiene, nutrition and health using colorful and fun illustrations. More importantly, it educates girls about the anxiety-provoking subjects of changing breast size, starting your period, and understanding mood swings. What I like best about this book is that it focuses on developing inner beauty and confidence while promoting open communication with parents.

All of the preteen (for ages 13 and older) books about puberty-related subjects contain information about sex, birth control and boys. Many parents feel naturally inclined to protect their daughters from these topics until they feel their daughters are emotionally ready. While that's a good idea, don't do the disservice of overprotecting and denying them the information they need and can use. Remember: education empowers and allows for informed decisions. By presenting your daughter with information you are sending her the important message that you are open and available for discussion. While she may not take you up on this offer, she'll be grateful for your availability and feel more secure knowing that you are there when she needs you.

With that in mind, for girls 13 and older, I recommend Your Body, Yourself Q& A: Questions and Answers about Your Changing Body by Alison Bell. It elaborates on the topics mentioned above in a more sophisticated and "cool" manner that young teenagers will appreciate. BE CAREFUL, however, if you don't feel that your daughter is ready for practical, specific information about sex, birth control and boys' sexual functioning. The book is very appropriate and tasteful and I like it because it de-mystifies those subjects that girls are too shy to ask about. It also gives good advice on friendships, feelings and parent problems. Read it yourself first, and if you're comfortable with it, pass it along to your daughter.

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