There typically comes an age when all children have questions about physical development and social standing. Kids don’t necessarily want to discuss all of their concerns with their parents. And honestly, a lot of the coming-of-age conversations also make parents squirmy.
We are not suggesting that kids and parents should avoid difficult discussions. But books can be a fantastic companion to family talks.
Our Plum began middle school this year. She is deep in the thicket of changing friendships and a developing physique. Our TR home is rife with tween angst. And there are many times that our daughter reacts to our advice as if we are from an alien planet. Or she chooses to ignore us entirely and stomps into her room.
So what to do? Well, we found books that essentially mirror what we’ve been telling our dear Plum all along. In particular, the advice and activity series from American Girl. Plum devours the books and takes great comfort in the non-parental guidance. She’ll come from her room, pointing to a passage and she’ll declare, “See! This is exactly what happens to me!”
It has been our experience that these books actually open the door to more conversations with our Plum. And we are very grateful for that fact. Now, if there were only a series for boys…..