Why Are Girls So Different From Boys?

You're not the first parent to notice that difference! At one point, it was generally believed that differences in male and female behavior were completely a function of upbringing. But research — and the experience of many parents — suggests that much of human behavior is the result of both environmental and biological factors.

Your daughter is probably beginning puberty and, as with many girls her age, likely has lots of different concerns — about her development, about friendships, and about her feelings. There's quite a lot that parents need to talk about with their adolescent girls.

Keep the lines of communication open, be consistent, be patient, and keep your sense of humor.

For more information, check out these articles:
A Parent's Guide to Surviving the Teen Years
Understanding Puberty
Talking to Your Child About Puberty

Reviewed by: Larissa Hirsch, MD
Date reviewed: October 2006
Originally reviewed by: Neil Izenberg, MD

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