‘Tis the season for shopping guides, and Girlology is back at it with our 2024 gift guide for growing girls! If your daughter has too many Tik Tok inspired fashion and beauty items on her list — we’ve got you! Dive into our list that’s focused on supporting her growing body and brain (🤫 you don’t have to tell her that). Once again, presented in 10 categories to inspire your own ideas as well — we wish you happy shopping! 

 

Train her Brain

Reduce her risk for body image struggles with our newest class for girls: How to Like Your Body. It’s led by young adults who have practiced the skills and will teach your girl HOW to change her mindset, drop self-judgment, and learn to value being strong over skinny, confident over pretty.

Legos have grown as much as she has, and for big kids (and adults) you can find Lego sets for everything from flowers to robotic machines to VanGogh paintings.

Similar to leggos but more mechanical, we love this wooden mechinical puzzle that she can make into a roller coaster for marbles, or a music box…this is definitely a STEM gift for the whole family!

Jigsaw Puzzles support mindfulness and spatial thinking skills, and Jiggies are a favorite! Plus they’re so fulfilling!

Memory games like Brainbolt 

Board games like Codenames or Trekking the National Parks involve strategy, but are simple to learn, educational, and great for tweens to adults. 

And for the budding video creator in your family, look at this Stop Motion animation Kit.

 

Support her Creativity

Craft kit, like this one that teaches her how to Crochet

Photo printer or sticker printer — both are wildly poopular!

Lessons in any artform! Music, dance, drums, theater, pottery, songwriting

Beginner Guitar starter set (for your Swiftie)

Art supplies are our favorite evergreen gift!

 

Boost her Vitamin N (nature!)

Terrarium kit

Propagation station (buy one or create your own with an assortment of small jars) with cute potting containers and soil

Digital Binoculars with camera adapter

Alltrails App or a printed trail guide to local hikes

New hiking shoes or fanny pack (they’re hot right now!) for storing hiking supplies & snacks

Box of 50 Amazing Animal Facts Postcards. She can color them and then use them to write an old school note to someone (as part of a gratitude practice 😉).  

 

Nurture her Mindfulness

Headspace or Calm app

Singing bowl

Meditation cushion

Aroma therapy diffuser

Adult coloring book 

Glitter jar (you’ll have to make this one – instructions in an old newsletter linked here!) 

Gratitude journal

 

Encourage Movement

Lessons in a sport she might want to try

Flying Orb Hover Ball 

Light up basketball 

Disc golf set

Portable (and waterproof) speaker she can take on the go

Sports wear

Skates, scooter, skateboard (Dr. Trish says nothing motorized please!)

 

Connect with Her

Give her a Girlology membership and watch a Girlology class together! 

Tickets to an event you’ll experience together: music, festival, play, dance performance, horse show, dog show, convention for her hobby

Donate to her favorite charity and give a coupon to volunteer there together.

Games are always a great way to connect. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is mindless fun & laughter for everyone (plus it only takes about 15 minutes)! 

Trips: weekend getaway, tourist in your own town, stay with a friend and explore their town.

Shared journal – leave notes, questions, or prompts for each other

Certificate for night out once a month and let her pick the activity!

 

Help her with Hygiene Hacks

Bright Girl Skin care. Use our discount code: 

Electric toothbrush and floss!

Personal hair trimmer

Girlology class on hygiene 

Puberty kit (for younger girls): bras, gentle body cleansers, deodorant/antiperspirant, razors, shaving cream, shampoo, conditioner, hair ties, lip gloss, water bottle, sunscreen.

Sleep kit – mask, comfy pjs, and a squishy or soft blanket, and white noise machine. For tips on improving her sleep habits go HERE.

 

Reinforce her Responsibility

A pet?!

Let her plan (or help plan) a trip itinerary from beginning to end

Cook book and money to buy plan, and prepare 1 meal per week

A big white board for all her lists and planning!

Coupons for “life lessons” from friends, neighbors, family members to teach her skills like changing a tire, hanging pictures, cooking, building a fire, using a fire extinguisher, putting gas in a car, reading a map, using a power tool, etc.

Open a checking account with a debit card or a Venmo Teen Account

Birdie personal safety alarm

Mini waffle maker and mini spatula to help her make her own breakfast

Scrunchie with hidden zipper pocket for stashing her door key.

 

Enhance her Education

Audible membership

Library card

Kindle

Gift Card to Independent Book Store (and a copy of our latest book, Youology)

Gift of Girlology! (Discount code is active!)

Tickets to a museum that features something she’s interested in

 

Personalized Gifts

Customized neon sign – family motto, favorite saying, or her name!

Necklace with her name or birth year

Custom paint by number kit of a favorite photo

Star Chart of her birth date

Personalized coordinates jewelry featuring hometown or another special place

Anything Monogramed towels, bags, purses, shower wrap, you name it!

 

For the holidays or any occasion, we hope these gift ideas help you support and stay connected with her through all of her growing years! What would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments!

 

Did you know Girlology has grade-by-grade video on demand playlists to support her and you through all things puberty and adolescence. Our doctor-moms cover topics like this and lots others! Learn More HERE. 

I’m on my second “cup” of coffee as I write this. And since I like  a big mug, I’m approaching about 300 mg of caffeine this morning. ☕️☕️

In a little while, wide-eyed and ready for my day, I’ll drive past our local high school where I’ll see lots of students walking in with big Starbucks cups (with about 360 mg in a Grande), and some with energy drinks (about 200 mg in a Celsius). 

Yes, teens are tired, and a little caffeine can sharpen mental focus and provide an energy boost.

But “a little” caffeine is not what most teens are consuming. 

We know (from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the FDA) that children under 12 should not even consume caffeine, and teens should have no more than 100 mg per day ☕️

Don’t worry… for you mamas who want to follow the adult rules, you get up to 400 mg per day ☕️☕️☕️).

Why should we limit caffeine intake for youth? What about those energy drinks they love?

• For starters there’s that developing brain thing and a growing body. 🧠🤸🏽‍♀️

• Exposing adolescents to excessive caffeine can create chemical dependence, affect behavior, and decrease the absorption of important nutrients like calcium (bones matter, right?). 

• In chronic or high doses, caffeine can cause anxiety, stomach pain, dehydration, headaches, loss of focus, and sleep problems – which creates a vicious cycle of fatigue and more caffeine intake. ☠ Watch Dr. Trish’s Tip for more on this!

I’m NOT advocating that we eliminate caffeine for teens, but many have problems with moderation and don’t know the facts. As a caring (and informed!) parent, you can clue them in on a few things:

1️⃣  They should limit their caffeine intake until they are adults (not just adult-sized) for all the reasons I mentioned above. Decaf, half-caf, or teas may be better choices.

2️⃣  They should know that it takes about 6 hours to metabolize caffeine, so any evening-time caffeine will disrupt their sleep quality (whether they believe it or not).⏱

3️⃣  I’m gonna say it yet again…Sleep is key to health & learning, and adolescents need 8-9 hours every night. No amount of caffeine can make up for lost sleep. 

If you’re wondering about energy drinks, watch this tip from Dr. Neha Suri.

And if you’re trying to find practical ways to help your tween or teen sleep better, Dr. Kristin Daley, psychologist, sleep specialist AND mom of 3 teens, shares her best tricks in THIS interview. 

Access ALL of our video content with your Girlology membership (try it free for 7 days!).

Did you know Girlology offers grade-by-grade video playlists to support her and you — on ALL.THE.TOPICS from mental health (and yes, sleep) to puberty, periods, skin care, body image and more! Learn More Here.

Recently, I invited some girlfriends from college and my young adult years to soak in a lake and the comfort, laughter, and nostalgia of deep-rooted friendships. These are friends I don’t see enough, but we know each others’ histories so well, we always pick up where we left off. They’re also friends who show up with open hearts, no judgment, the perfect playlist, and wine!

As we caught up on the usual topics (with an extra dose of aging parent challenges and teen drama this year) each of us, in one way or another, mentioned our hopes that our own children will experience friendships like ours to carry them through their own adulting.

I especially thought of my youngest who was in the middle of that awful stage when friend groups begin to shift and some girls choose exclusion over inclusion, and indifferent over kind.

Remember that? Ugh. 🙄

What’s ironic about my girls trip is that I kept hearing that voice in my head reeling off the tips in our Friendship Matters Class and Workbook. I was trying to get away from work for a few days, but it kept creeping in!

Then it dawned on me. 💡

I was actually SEEING the tips put to use as I spent time with these friends.  

In fact, the class and ebook we created for 5th and 6th graders was actually helping ME be a more engaged and attentive friend. 

Although our class also covers things like bullies and crushes, it begins with some essentials for any true friendship. We call them our Friendship F.A.C.T.s, and I think everyone can benefit from remembering them.

To help your daughter understand the essentials of any relationship, help her learn and practice these things:

Feedback: giving feedback that can communicate feelings and needs, as well as receiving feedback with an attitude of learning and growing

Attention: learning to show her interest through her actions, comments, and body language

Cheering: showing support for her friends through thoughtful and encouraging comments

Time: helping her understand that spending time with friends is the best way to strengthen relationships and have more things to talk about

I know it sounds cheesy, but I believe my girls’ trip was more meaningful because I got a refresher on Friendship Matters. (Thankfully, I didn’t have to use any of our tips on bullies or bystander issues!) 

• My feedback was better. 
• My focus was more intentional.
• I had better ways to express my own needs.
• I dove into the activities with greater enthusiasm.

I came home even more excited to remind our members about this class because I realized it’s NOT just for tween girls (well, it IS, but it’s also good for anyone). 

The tips and skills are of universal importance, but they don’t come naturally. 

I hope you’ll watch it with your daughter, download the workbook, and use it as a refresher in your own life because friendships thrive when we’re more intentional, and friendships matter, right? 

Consider joining Girlology for friendship help, and stick around for guidance on puberty, periods, mental health, skin care, body image and more! We offer grade-by-grade video playlists to support her and you — on topics like this and lots others. Learn More Here.

As parents, we work hard to find the right pediatrician for our babies – one that we trust to care for our precious littles and support us as parents. But as our littles become bigs – it may be time to reassess the fit for your family. Lots of wonderful pediatricians transition to teen care beautifully, but sometimes your child may deserve a different provider. 

When my daughter hit 12, and definitely by 13, I expected her to have some “alone time” with her doctor, but the visits went by with me in the room. Honestly, it didn’t bother me too much. I mean, she had ME. I was talking with her about ALL.THE.THINGS, and I’m pretty sure her pediatrician knew that..  

But at the 14 year old visit (high school, right?), her doctor asked her all the questions about depression, sexual activity, and substance use IN FRONT OF ME. 🙅🏻‍♀️😶 

I have to say I was not happy. As a teen, my daughter deserves to have confidential conversations with a doctor SHE trusts. Ignoring the importance of confidentiality is not the way to build trust with tweens and teens. And trust ME – they need as many trusted adults as they can find (have I said trust enough?).

Many parents might believe they SHOULD be present for those questions, but we know in adolescent medicine that it’s not a good idea. We’ve all had too many discussions with absolutely great kids who were not being honest with their parent about things like vaping, alcohol, sex, or even their depression and anxiety symptoms.

As a mom, I know we don’t want to think about our kids hiding their risky behaviors or deep feelings from us, but sometimes they just do.

They don’t want to disappoint us. 

They don’t want to get in trouble. 

They don’t want another lecture.

They don’t think it’s a big deal.

But here’s the thing about confidential medical care: when a healthcare provider ensures confidentiality and can have a heart to heart talk with them, they open up and are amazingly honest. And I’ve never met a healthcare provider for teens that wasn’t dead set on helping them follow a path toward safety and wellness. We’re all on the same team. (Btw, if a young person discloses thoughts or behaviors that are life-threatening for themself or others, doctors are required to report that to a parent and/or the appropriate authorities). 

So – back to my story… 

I asked my daughter if she thought most teens give honest answers when they were asked those questions in front of a parent. 

She just 😂🤣🤭.

So, for her 15 year old check up, I took her to her new pediatrician. Her new doc spent a chunk of time with us together, gathering medical history and asking about my concerns, then she said BUH BYE 👋🏼 to me, and whisked my girl off for a separate chat, making her feel confident about her confidentiality.

On the way home, of course I asked what they talked about. 

Her reply? 

“That was between me and Dr Natalie. I don’t have to tell you.” (btw – that’s SO 15!). 

Perfect answer. I trust that I’ll be informed if there are serious concerns, but now, I know my teen has a trusted healthcare provider she can confide in, and I know she’ll get advice that is focused on helping her stay safe, informed, and healthy.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. ✅

Did you know Girlology offers grade-by-grade video playlists to support her and you — on ALL.THE.TOPICS she should be talking with her doctor about! Learn More Here.

When it comes to adolescent acne, there’s a progression that’s pretty typical as puberty begins:
oily skin > blackheads > pimples > and some will advance to full-blown acne.

Gee thanks, hormones 🙄

As parents, we may cringe inside at the first sight of acne on that sweet little face, but parenting a pre-teen or teen is such a balancing act.

• Do you say anything or not? 
• Do you just leave some acne wash by her sink and hope she discovers it?
• Do you calmly suggest a skin care routine without letting your eyes stray to her pimples?

You desperately want to help her avoid the self-esteem impact of acne, but you also need to avoid the emotional crisis that could erupt by pointing out her skin flaws. 🌋

As a mom, I’ve walked on those eggshells, but then I learned to apply my doctoring skills at home, and it got a little easier. 

As a doctor, we’re trained to make observations and ask questions: 

“I notice you have some blackheads and a few pimples. Do they bother you?”

The key is showing NO emotion or facial expression to indicate pity, concern, or worry.

In this type of situation, if you can be like a blank piece of paper with a Yes or No checkbox ✅ you’ll be less likely to set off an emotional melt-down. (hint: this skill is critical for parents of tweens and teens. Practice it and apply it often!)

If her answer is a solid “No,” just move on and make no other comments other than, “Awesome, if it ever does, just let me know.” 

If her answer is anything else,

“Sort of,”

“Not really,”

“A little,”
or (as my drama-queen answered, “Omigosh YES!!! Why would you even ASK?”

then you’ll want to watch our tips from dermatologist Dr. Angela Casey, starting with THIS ONE to help her understand what causes acne and the essentials for treatment.

If she isn’t bothered by skin issues, she won’t be motivated to follow any skin care routine beyond washing (and even that is a struggle for some tweens!). If that’s the case, then this tip is exactly what you (and she) need for now.

But when she’s ready for help, we’ve got you covered with this tip from Dr. Trish: Treating Acne When It First Starts.

And if you’re looking for a recommendation on choosing products for her skin? We are loving Bright Girl skin care products. Dr. Angela Casey is the creator of Bright Girl products specifically made for young skin — with simple, safe ingredients. Use the discount code: Girl20 for 20% off your order at brightgirl.com.

 

Want ALL the tips and insights we share? Become a Girlology member now! Learn More HERE. 

My two older daughters were close in age 👭, and they shared a friend, Liza🚶🏽‍♀️, who had two younger brothers👬 and no sisters. My girls had no brothers. Liza loved spending time at our house because we had Breyer horses, a play kitchen, and a pair of very entertaining miniature donkeys. I loved sending my girls to Liza’s house where they were exposed to penises.

 

😳 Wait. Let me explain that better.

The penises belonged to Liza’s two and four year old brothers who were frequently scampering through the house naked or peeing in the yard. 😅

Liza’s mom and I felt pretty resourceful. 

Liza learned about reproduction (you mean they’re not dancing?) from our donkeys and thought it was cool.🤰🏻✨ My girls saw penises frequently enough to settle their curiosity and recognize a penis as just another body part. 🍆 🤷🏻‍♀️  

Over years of helping thousands of children prepare for puberty and grow in body confidence, I know this for sure: kids are not just curious about how their own bodies will change, they ask a ton of questions about how puberty affects other kids.

How much should they learn about each other? 

You know my answer: 

ALL of it. 

Menstruation and vulvas shouldn’t be a mystery to half the population. Keeping it that way only perpetuates stigma and shame. Same goes for erections, wet dreams, and gynecomastia (when pubertal boys transiently develop breast tissue – about HALF of them will).  

When every child understands what happens to all bodies in puberty, they are more understanding and less self-conscious. They begin to recognize that everybody has some pretty interesting and strange new things going on. They become more accepting of their own changes, and more supportive for their friends.  

So, even though we are GIRLology, we also have an on-demand class and activity book on BOYS’ PUBERTY, called GUYology. It’s led by Dr. Trish and Dr. Matt – who you and your kids will love! We created it because so many parents asked for it (and we’ve been teaching it in-person for over a decade!). It was created for boys, but if your daughters are curious, it’s a YES 🙌🏽 from me! If you have friends with sons in 4th-6th grade, please share! 

And if you’re looking for one resource that covers puberty for ALL bodies, check out our book You-ology: A Puberty Guide for Every Body, written by us and published by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Did you know Girlology has grade-by-grade playlists listing on-demand video and downloadable content to support her and you through the entire journey? Learn More