Adventures in Parenting

Teenagers have all kinds of questions from acne and periods to makeup and mood swings.

The Ultimate Girls’ Guide to Understanding and Caring for Your Body by Isabel and Emily Lluch is a fun and easy-to-read book written for girls to address many sensitive issues.  Two sisters wrote the book to give their peer perspective on practical questions that girls ask. Along with that, a panel of experts such as a physician, a dermatologist, a beautician give their advice as well.

Here is an example of a question: I sweat a lot, and lately I’ve been getting pit stains on my t-shirts…I also have serious B.O.! One of my friends said I should wear deodorant, but there are so many kinds. How do I know what kind to get?

Here is a summary of the answers given: Body odor is a natural part of puberty, use antiperspirants, don’t use perfumes to cover up the smell, and watch your diet. Caffeine, spicy foods, and meat increase perspiration.

I think those are good practical advice that girls need to know, but don’t know where to get. This book serves as a resource of helpful hints.

It’s also a good guide for moms to read along with their daughters to open up conversation to talk about some of these issues. Our daughters may feel troubled by hair growth, periods, stress, or even depression and eating disorders. This book points out many of these topics that you may not normally talk about with your daughters.

The Ultimate Girls’ Guide is attractive so girls would want to read it. Don’t expect anything too technical or extensive though. The information is basic but helpful.