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How Dads Can Support Their Daughters Through Puberty: Insights from Kim Grustas of Good for You Girls

communication with daughters dads and daughters fatherhood fatherhood challenges fatherhood podcast good for you girls kimberly grustas parenting advice parenting girls parenting teens puberty education puberty guidance puberty tips raising teenagers supporting daughters teenage girls Oct 24, 2024

As dads, navigating the teenage years of our daughters can feel like an overwhelming task, especially when it comes to one of the most delicate subjects: puberty. We may find ourselves unsure of how to approach sensitive topics, offer support, or simply be there in the ways our daughters need us during this transformative stage of life.

In a recent conversation with Kim Grustas, founder of Good for You Girls, we explored these very concerns. Kim, an expert in puberty and personal care for girls, shared valuable insights on how dads can play a pivotal role during this critical time in their daughters’ lives. The advice she offers helps us dads build stronger bonds with our girls while guiding them through one of the most emotionally and physically challenging phases of their youth.

In this blog post, I’ll break down some of the most important points Kim and I discussed, giving you actionable tips on how to be the supportive and engaged dad your daughter needs.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Approach Sensitive Conversations

For many dads, the idea of talking about puberty with their daughters can feel intimidating. After all, it’s not something we personally experienced in the same way. However, Kim emphasizes that having open, honest conversations about body changes, menstruation, and mood swings doesn’t have to be awkward.

Girls in puberty often experience a mix of confusion and anxiety about what’s happening to their bodies. By approaching these topics early on, you can set the tone for ongoing communication. Even if the specifics of female puberty are new to you, your willingness to learn and engage speaks volumes. Kim suggests that it’s not about being an expert; it’s about showing up with empathy and curiosity.

Takeaway: Start conversations before puberty begins and normalize these discussions. Your daughter will appreciate knowing she can come to you with questions, and it will help build her confidence as she goes through these changes.

2. Understand the Emotional Roller Coaster

Kim shared that one of the key challenges for girls during puberty is the emotional roller coaster they ride, thanks to hormonal fluctuations. This can manifest as mood swings, increased sensitivity, or even irritability.

For dads, it’s easy to feel like you’re walking on eggshells when your once easy-going daughter suddenly seems unpredictable. But Kim’s advice is simple: offer understanding, not solutions. Teenage girls don’t always want their problems fixed; sometimes they just want someone to listen. This period of their life is emotionally intense, and while the feelings may be temporary, your support should be constant.

Takeaway: When your daughter seems overwhelmed, don’t rush to solve the problem. Instead, validate her feelings by simply being present and offering an open ear.

3. Encourage Self-Confidence and Positive Body Image

Puberty can be a time of self-doubt, particularly regarding body image. As her body changes, your daughter may become hyper-aware of her appearance, comparing herself to peers or media portrayals of beauty. This is where a dad’s influence can be incredibly powerful.

Kim highlights the importance of reinforcing body positivity at every opportunity. Even casual remarks about her appearance can have a lasting impact, so choose your words carefully. Compliment her on her strengths, skills, and character more than her looks. Encourage activities that build self-esteem—whether that’s sports, arts, or other interests she’s passionate about.

Takeaway: Use your unique role to instill confidence. Help your daughter focus on what her body can do, rather than how it looks.

4. Choose Safe, Gentle Personal Care Products

Kim’s expertise in personal care is unmatched, and she stressed the importance of choosing safe, gentle products during puberty. Many commercial hygiene products for girls contain chemicals or irritants that aren’t ideal for sensitive, changing bodies.

As a dad, you might not think twice about what’s in your daughter’s shampoo or deodorant, but this is an area where you can be proactive. Educate yourself on safe ingredients, and look for brands that focus on natural, gentle care—like Good for You Girls. Introducing your daughter to the importance of what she puts on her skin empowers her to make informed choices about her health and well-being.

Takeaway: When it comes to personal care products, be intentional about what you purchase for your daughter. Encourage her to use products that support her changing body in a safe and gentle way.

5. Normalize the Conversation About Periods

Many dads shy away from the topic of menstruation, leaving it to their wives or female family members to cover. But Kim stresses that fathers should also be part of these conversations. The more we normalize the subject of periods, the more comfortable our daughters will feel discussing it.

Even if it feels foreign to you, your involvement shows your daughter that her experience is natural and nothing to be ashamed of. A simple question like, “How are you feeling?” when you know she’s having her period can go a long way in showing her that it’s okay to talk about it openly.

Takeaway: Don’t make periods a taboo topic. Show your daughter that you’re there for her, no matter what, even when it comes to menstruation.

6. Be a Steady, Consistent Presence

Kim underscored that one of the most important things dads can do during puberty is to simply be there. Puberty is an unpredictable time, but your daughter needs to know that no matter what’s happening with her body or her emotions, you’re a consistent and stable presence in her life.

Whether it’s helping her through a tough day, showing up for school events, or just checking in with a thoughtful question, your reliability builds trust and security. Knowing she can count on you will help her feel grounded during a time when everything else feels uncertain.

Takeaway: Show up consistently in your daughter’s life. The small, everyday moments of support are often the most meaningful.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Journey Together

Navigating puberty with your daughter may feel like uncharted territory, but it’s also an opportunity to deepen your relationship and build trust. The key is to approach these years with patience, empathy, and a willingness to engage in the tough conversations.

Kim Grustas provided incredible insights that can help guide us through this process. At the end of the day, being a great dad during puberty isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being there, showing up, and letting your daughter know she’s not going through this alone.

👀Get an exclusive 💰20% discount just for your daughter with code: dispatch20 at https://www.goodforyougirls.com

📗The book Kim Referenced: The Sleeping Beauties: And Other Stories of Mystery Illness https://amzn.to/3NCEWOs

Watch the Full Interview Here👇🏻👇🏻

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