When you are the parent of a teenage girl, you find yourself perpetually preoccupied with their health and safety. You think of your daughter as your baby long after she becomes an independent woman. You may wonder what you can do to instill a sense of responsibility and dedication to health in your daughter. A few steps can help you to prepare her to live a healthy, full life:
Schedule Your Daughter's First OB/GYN Appointment
When it comes to teaching your daughter to take control and be responsible for her body and health, no step is more definitive than taking her to her first OB/GYN appointment. Annual trips to the gynecologist are a part of every adult woman's life.
When your daughter goes to her first appointment, she will get a sense of what it means to be a woman. She will begin to understand the very real potential consequences of sexual activity including STDs and pregnancy, and she will be able to discuss any questions or concerns with her doctor.
On top of teaching your daughter about what it means to be a woman who takes responsibility for her physical health, a trip to the OB/GYN will also help ensure that your daughter is healthy and is not developing any reproductive problem unbeknownst to her or you. So, schedule that appointment.
Keep Communications Open and Non-Judgmental
While you may not like it, the development of sexuality is a major aspect of adolescence. Your daughter will be struggling with what it means to be a modern-day teenager.
She may feel pressure from peers or relationship partners to become sexually active at an early age, or she may be struggling internally with these physical and emotional urges she never felt before.
The most important thing is to not appear judgmental when it comes to discussing sexual activity and sexuality with your daughter. You want her to feel comfortable talking to you, and coming to your with questions or concerned.
While you likely have strong opinions on these topics, do not be overly aggressive with them. If you are argumentative with your daughter about such matters, she may not come to you with issues and end up acting irresponsibly.
Get Her Involved In Extracurricular Activities
Your teenage daughter is still in the process of developing her sense of self while she is dealing with all of these other issues of sexuality. In order to help give her the confidence to take control of herself, encourage her to get involved in extracurricular activities that require self-discipline and responsibility.
Physical activities such as sports or dance are excellent ways to help your daughter be in control of her physical health. Consider encouraging her to participate in martial arts or self defense classes. This will teach her to demand respect of her physical space and help her handle herself in any dangerous situation.
If you use these techniques in your parenting, you will be better able to keep your daughter healthy throughout her teen years and beyond. if you can instill a sense of responsibility and self-respect in your daughter, you will be able to relax and feel confident that she will take proper care of herself for the rest of her life.
If you want more help or have other questions, consider contacting a professional like Craig Ranch OB/GYN for information.
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