“Mom! Stop embarrassing me! You just don’t understand!”
Yes, your once carefree little girl is now navigating the rollercoaster ride of puberty. And if she struggles with sensory processing or a neurodevelopmental disorder, she may have increased difficulty dealing with the changes.
This stage marks a time of significant growth—physically, emotionally, and socially. As experts in pediatric therapy, specializing in neurodevelopmental challenges, we understand the delicate intricacies involved in supporting girls of all ages through this transformative phase of life.
Understanding the Journey
Puberty isn’t just about physical changes; it’s a period of rapid development that encompasses everything from brain and body maturation to shifts in social dynamics and self-identity. For your daughter with sensory processing challenges, these changes can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing, which is why your guidance and support are invaluable during this time.
The Impact of Hormones
Hormones play a starring role in puberty, influencing everything from mood swings to physical development. It’s normal for your daughter to experience sudden bursts of energy followed by moments of irritability or sadness. These shifts are a part of her natural development. As her body adjusts to these hormonal fluctuations, patience and understanding from parents are key in helping her navigate these emotional ups and downs. Show as much grace as you can while still maintaining your non-negotiables.
Mental and Emotional Health
Puberty can also bring about intense emotional highs and lows as your daughter grapples with new feelings, unwanted physical changes, brain fog, and societal pressures. Encouraging open communication and offering a safe space for her to express her emotions can help foster resilience and self-esteem. Amidst the changes and emotional adjustments, it’s crucial to prioritize your daughter’s mental health. Whether she’s navigating academic stress, peer relationships, or personal challenges, our clinic emphasizes the importance of seeking professional support when needed and nurturing a supportive environment at home. Teach your daughter that it’s okay to allow herself to feel all of her feelings – good or bad – and help her identify them, as needed.
Navigating Physical Changes
The realization is that your daughter is daily waking up to a body that feels unfamiliar—perhaps with new curves, sudden hair growth, changes in body weight or skin texture, or the onset of menstruation. And the worst part is she can’t stop it or control it.
Many girls struggle with poor body awareness during this time, which can impact their self-esteem. It’s essential to have open conversations about these changes, ensuring your daughter feels informed and empowered to navigate her evolving body with confidence. Encourage open discussions about these changes, emphasizing that every woman develops at her own pace. Use the correct words for body parts in these conversations, as it makes tackling hygiene easier. Encourage movement and physical activity whenever possible.
New Body and Sensory Processing
Your daughter may experience sensory discomfort with new sensations on her body, like body hair feeling weird, cramps, headaches, or feeling caged-in while wearing a bra. Some things that may help these sensory differences are DPPT or tactile brushing. Your daughter may also appreciate wearing snug clothing to avoid the feeling of fabric brushing against her legs, or may be on the opposite side and prefer a looser fit.
Comfort and Confidence in Clothing
Finding comfortable clothing that fits well and makes your daughter feel confident can be a game-changer during puberty. It becomes more than just fabric at this point, but also a tool for self-expression. Explore different styles and fabrics together, prioritizing comfort over trends. Teens with sensory sensitivities may need clothing without tags or made of specific fabrics, for example. This process not only boosts her confidence but also encourages a healthy relationship with her evolving body. Be patient – it may take a long time to find the right combination of clothing that feels tolerable.
Handling Hygiene Hurdles
Resisting hygiene routines? It’s normal. Some teens may struggle with consistent grooming habits or adapting to new hygiene needs. Approach these conversations gently, with patience and understanding. Emphasize the importance of hygiene and self-care for health and general wellbeing. This includes knowing how to care for her hair type, using deodorant, wet wipes, essential oils, or natural products to minimize body odor, reinforcing dental care, talking about shaving, tackling menstrual hygiene, and having age-appropriate discussions about when, if, and how much your daughter can start wearing makeup and nail polish. Help your teen create a schedule of when personal care tasks should be completed, like showering or bathing daily or remembering to brush her hair before leaving the house. Introduce products that cater to her preferences (scent, color, texture, etc) to make these routines more manageable and enjoyable. Make it a bonding experience by sharing some of your favorites!
Social Shifts and School Dynamics
Puberty often brings shifts in friendships and social dynamics at school. Your daughter may be navigating new cliques, crushes, or conflicts. Encourage her to share her experiences with you openly, offering guidance without judgment. Validate her feelings and teach her how to handle peer relationships and the complexities of social life with resilience and grace.
Maintaining Open Communication
As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your daughter’s journey through puberty. By offering unconditional love, active listening, and age-appropriate guidance, you can help her embrace her individuality and navigate the complexities of adolescence with grace and confidence. Maintaining a strong, open line of communication is crucial. Create a safe space for your daughter to ask questions, express concerns, or share triumphs. Listen actively, without rushing to provide solutions. Your willingness to listen fosters trust and strengthens your bond during this pivotal time.
Our Supportive Approach
At Sense Able Brain, we specialize in supporting children and teens with neurodevelopmental differences through every stage of their journey. Our therapists are here to provide guidance on navigating puberty’s challenges, offering strategies tailored to your daughter’s unique needs.
Moving Forward Together
As you support your daughter through puberty, remember that patience, empathy, and a sense of humor can go a long way. Celebrate her milestones, offer reassurance during setbacks, and cherish the moments of connection amidst the changes.
We invite you to connect with our clinic for more resources and expert guidance on helping your daughter thrive during puberty and beyond. Together, let’s empower her to embrace this transformative time with resilience and self-assurance.