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While Degree® Girl prevents teens from losing their cool, teen expert Rosalind Wiseman offers a few tips to help parents keep their composure and guide their girls through significant OMG! moments:
- Have THE talk – Although parents may want to avoid the talk, it's important for them to open the dialogue with their daughter and talk about becoming physically mature before it happens. It is important to remember that if parents don't talk to their daughter, she'll get her information elsewhere. By parents helping their daughter understand bodily changes – like starting to sweat, among other issues – she will be prepared before it becomes an issue.
- Like, OMG, don't use slang or clichés – It's common for parents to try and relate to teens by using their slang, but moms and dads should not engage in this activity as it makes it look like parents are trying too hard – she will essentially see through it and dismiss the point. Also, it is recommended that parents avoid using words that make a teen girl run for cover. Starting a conversation about her physical development with, "Now that you're becoming a woman..." or "This is a beautiful time of change in your life...," can make girls squirm so much they won't hear a word a parent says.
- Don't just do something, stand there – Trying to fix teenagers' problems won't empower them to work through things on their own. Parents should provide guidance and support while lending an ear, but let her make her own decisions and take action if she chooses to do so. Sometimes teens just want their parents to listen, so parents should sit back and resist the urge to move too quickly into "fix it" mode.
- Share personal experiences – Moms should tell stories about their own teen OMG! moments like the first time she got her period or being horribly embarrassed by her own parents (the teen's grandparents), as their teen will realize the parent is human and able to relate to her current situation.
Rosalind Wiseman is an internationally recognized author and educator on children, teens, parenting, education and social justice. Her work aims to help parents, educators and young people successfully maneuver through the social challenges of young adulthood. Rosalind has listened to thousands of girls describe their OMG! moments and even wrote a New York Times bestselling book on it, "Queen Bees & Wannabes," – the basis for the movie "Mean Girls" – which helps parents navigate those big moments in their daughters' lives.
Learn more about Rosalind at http://www.rosalindwiseman.com
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