social and emotional challenges for preteens

[gt1433b]

Hello, I need your help!

I am the father of a 7 year-old boy and 9 year old girl. As my daughter is transitioning to adolescence, I am concern about preparing her for the future social and emotional challenges she will face in the future.

What type of recommendations you can give me?

What are the top issues should I concern?

What types of resources are there (websites, programs, activities, etc.)?

Is there a difference between girls and boys?

How can I keep the communication open with my child?

Are children willing to share their challenges with their parents?

Those are some of the questions I have for now. I appreciate your guidance!

[easydoesit]

Hello,

I think the best advice I can give is to wait and see and not overthink. I'd say letting her develop her own interests and keep the communication going is better than any other advice out there.  You won't know what the top issues are for her until she raises them.

Hope that makes sense.
 

[Ragana]

My husband is a teacher for this age group as well as a father (the best! ) & he swears by the How to Talk so X (Children, Teens) Will Listen books. From my perspective, I would be ready for and prepare your daughter for the physical changes - it took a while for me to "desensitize" my daughter (eewwww, I don't want to talk about that!) so she could talk to me about her needs in this regard.