How to Talk to Your Tween Daughter About Boys

Is your tween daughter taking an interest in boys? Is she ready to date or meet boys out of the house? That is only something that you as a parent can decide. However, you must talk to your daughter when the time is right and set some ground rules or at least establish a dialogue about boys. Follow these steps to talk to your tween daughter about boys.

Things You'll Need

• A Strong Will
• The Ability to Step Back
• The Ability to Adapt your Parenting Style

Instructions

Talking to Your Tween Daughter About Boys

1. You should try to put yourself into her shoes. Things are not the same as when you were a child and in fact, things are not the same as when she was younger. Be willing to adapt your parenting style a little to meet your daughter's changing needs.

2. Focus on your relationship with your daughter rather than just the subject of boys. It is important to establish a connection so that she feels comfortable coming to you now and in the future. Bring up the subject of boys and ask her what she knows rather than sharing your wisdom.

3. Don't let her try to push you away. Some of these subjects may be embarrassing or she may think that "you don't know anything," but you must stay in her life. Talk every day and not just when you discipline her or have something important to say. Once she has discussed her feelings on boys, work together to come up with appropriate rules.

4. Understand that your tween is already anxious about adolescence and maybe boys as well. There is a lot of peer pressure and your daughter may not know how to handle it. Put her at ease by telling her that almost every girl her age has felt the same way at one time or another.

5. Once you have set some ground rules together, give your tween the freedom to follow these rules without constantly checking up on her. However, schedule some quality time with her alone at least once a week so that she can talk to you about anything. You never know, she may even begin to look forward to this time each week.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider talking to your tween in the car. This way they will not have to make eye contact which may already be difficult depending on the subject. This can really help her open up. It is still an intimate and private setting.

• Learn the language that tweens are using now. No one calls it going steady anymore, or do they? Learn what it means when your daughter says that her best friend is 'going out' with someone.

• Never get defensive or yell during a conversation. It may be hard to keep your anger in check at times but remember that it is important to make your tween feel comfortable talking to you.

• Don't take anything that your daughter says personally. At this age, they tend to think that they know it all and have a hard time believing that you maybe know something as well.