My 10 year old daughter is starting to catch the eyes of boys and she is definitely noticing them. She's a very pretty girl and in the looks department she takes after her father and not me, so I never had the issues of boys approaching me when I was younger so I have no experiencing with this!
I guess my question is how do I support her in this new stage and steer her in a right direction to make the best decisions and not become boy crazy, and dependent on them for approval and happiness.
Thank you for your help.
3 Replies
Keep praising her for following her own interests and hobbies. Having strong interests will keep her grounded.
Praise her for success at school, and working hard.
Encourage play dates with her female friends.
Don't do what my friends mother did and go hardcore 'you aren't allowed to talk to boys etc' when you do that you've lost.
Just be honest with her about your thoughts. Tell her how it is nice to have the attention but that she doesn't "need" the approval or doesn't owe boys anything because she is her own goddess.
But at the end of the day, I think it is completely normal for teenagers to go "boy/girl crazy" at some point and it's not about stopping her from those experiences but just being there for her and guiding her along the way. Always being someone she can confide in.
Just be open and honest to any questions and don't discourage her from following her natural feelings as she will want to rebel. Let her know that her actions now may affect her in future and to always make sure her choices are HER'S and no one else's - not to be pressured into having a boyfriend or to do anything she doesn't want to do. Tell her how it is a really special time when you truly love someone but sometimes it takes into you are an adult to find that right love and when you do find it it's amazing etc.