Автор: Dr. Lilla McManis

Время на прочтение: 4 минут(ы)

At 10, girls are eager to be grown-up but still can love playing with dolls (and that’s perfectly fine!). Your daughter views the world with excitement but sometimes hides under the blanket when life get overwhelming. At this age, it’s especially important to try new things, discover herself, and take the first steps toward independence. The role of parents is not to push or rush, but to offer ideas that could spark her interest.

🤸 1. Move More

Not everyone loves running in gym class, but movement is essential for optimal development (physical, cognitive, and emotional)—at her own pace. If your daughter loves energy and excitement, sign her up for dance or gymnastics. If she loves water, take her swimming. If she enjoys being in a group and feeling the team spirit, volleyball or even soccer could be perfect (and don’t let anyone tell you, or her, it’s a “boys’ sport”). Find something that makes her eyes light up and that she can’t wait to do!

💡 2. Learn to Find Her Voice

At 10, girls are keen to express themselves. This can be supported by drama classes, where she can try different roles. Blogging or a stand-up comedy session in front of the family are great, too. Or, maybe she’ll find her voice in a literary club where she can write stories and even get them published. The key is to let her know her voice matters and it should be heard.

🎨 3. Get Creative Without Limits

Drawing, music, sewing, sculpting—what doesn’t matter is the medium, just that it’s fun and supports creativity. Some may want to draw comics, others might enjoy making animations on their phone, or creating outfits and upcycling old clothes. Don’t box creativity into rigid rules, or it will lose its spark.

📚 4. Learn in Her Own Way

School is one thing, but a genuine interest in learning is quite another. It comes when there’s less pressure. Let your daughter read books that truly interest her (and if they’re fanfics instead of classics, that’s okay!). Let her learn languages through movies and music. Let her explore chemistry not through textbooks but with kitchen experiments. Letting her learn in her own way shows her she is valuable just as she is!

🧠 5. Understand How Her Body Works (And Don’t Fall for Myths)

At 10, physical changes start happening, and a million questions arise. Why do some girls already wear a bra while others don’t? Why do some kids seem to be popular, while others feel lonely—is it how they look?

It’s good if there’s an adult around to explain everything calmly and appropriately. You can also suggest watching educational videos or reading books like What’s Happening to My Body? because knowledge is always better than scary myths from the internet or from other kids who don’t always have the facts.

🤓 6. Do Things on Her Own

You can teach your daughter to cook simple meals—not just so that she can help out at home, but so she feels more confident in being independent. Give her more freedom in choosing her clothes—let her experiment with style, not just listen to your advice or compare herself to others. You could also suggest getting a houseplant to take care of (if it survives, great; if not, it’s still a valuable lesson).

🤗 7. Step Outside the House (And the Comfort Zone)

Hiking, trips, park walks—the more your daughter sees and experiences, the better. You can plant flowers or vegetables together in the garden, participate in local eco-projects, or simply take a camera on a walk to capture interesting details. The world is much bigger than the usual home-school-home route! Broadening her horizons can build not just physical skills but also self-confidence!

🤖 8. Learn to Use Technology Productively

Screen time isn’t always bad. Your daughter can learn to program, edit videos, or draw on a tablet. She could explore 3D modeling or dive into photo editing. The key is not to ban gadgets but to show her how to use them productively and safely. A helpful rule of thumb when it comes to technology—create more than you consume.

💁🏻‍♀️ 9. Discover Different Women’s Stories

Not just princesses and superheroes, but also artists, scientists, and explorers. Let your daughter see that girls/women can be anything they want and choose any path that speaks to them! Movies and books are great for this. Also, consider taking her to lectures by such women and encourage her to chat with the presenter.

🧑‍🔬 10. Experiment with Different Professions

Let her try being a journalist (interviewing relatives), a director (filming short movies), a fashion designer (sketching or combining outfits from her wardrobe), and more. The more professions she “tries on,” even in a fun way, the more confident she’ll feel when it comes to making real career decisions.

Being a Girl Is About Possibilities, Not Limitations

The most important thing you can give a 10-year-old girl is confidence in herself. That she can be different. That she is unique and one-of-a-kind. That being passionate about science is as normal as loving fashion. That she can wear dresses and climb trees. That she can be brave, smart, funny, thoughtful, sporty, creative—and it’s all “feminine.” Simply because it’s her choice!

References:

1. Your Child’s Development From 6 to 12 Years. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2. How to Promote Cognitive Development: 23 Activities & Games. Positive Psychology
3. MacDonald, F. (2016). Childhood and Tween Girl Culture. London, UK: Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
4. Bulimwengu, A. S., & Cartmel, J. (2022). The tween years: A systematic literature review for services for children aged 10–13 years. Heliyon, 8 (1).
5. Janssen, I., Ferrao, T., & King, N. (2016). Individual, family, and neighborhood correlates of independent mobility among 7 to 11-year-olds. Preventive Medicine Reports, 3, 98-102.

Cover image: A.Ozerova/Shutterstock

Время на прочтение: 3 минут(ы)

At 10, boys are actively exploring the world and developing their interests and skills. Here are some ideas to help your son grow, develop, and thrive.

🤸 1. Get Moving

Sports aren’t just about staying healthy—it’s also a great way to teach confidence, discipline, and the ability to lose graciously but without giving up. The key is not to force your son into a sport you like. Let him try different things: team games, martial arts, skateboarding, or even parkour. If his eyes light up and he is eager to participate routinely, you’ve found the one!

🎨 2. Express Emotions Through Creativity

Drawing comics, drumming on anything that makes noise, sculpting with clay, or building car models—all these activities are more than just fun; they’re ways to express feelings. Sometimes, it’s easier to draw something than explain it in words. Plus, even adults love getting creative after a long day, so why shouldn’t your son do the same? Let him explore anything that helps him release emotions and recharge his positivity!

🦸 3. Develop Thinking Without Boredom

Puzzles, chess, books—they’re all classics. But there are unexpected ways to boost intellectual skills, too: let your son try designing games in Roblox or building complex structures in Minecraft. Or have him solve logic puzzles that seem like magic (like how to crack a code without a key).

🧑‍🔬 4. Explore Science Through Experiments

Create a volcano with baking soda and vinegar, grow crystals, or make a potato lamp—science doesn’t have to be boring. If possible, take him to a science museum or sign him up for a young scientist club. Experiments are great for teaching cause-and-effect, a lesson that can be applied across many aspects of life!

⚽ 5. Spend More Time Outdoors

Nature is the best free stress reliever. Bike rides, fishing, forest navigation, or just running with the dog in the park—all these are great ways to build endurance and learn to enjoy the real world, not just the virtual one.

🤖 6. Build Things with His Hands

Building a birdhouse, a simple electrical circuit, or a robot from a kit—the feeling of «I did this myself» is priceless. Sometimes, creating something with his own hands will give him more confidence than thousands of words of encouragement.

🎲 7. Play (Even Video Games!)

Games can be positive, especially when approached mindfully. Many games improve reaction time, logic, and strategic thinking, and some even teach teamwork. Just don’t let gaming turn into an uncontrolled marathon. Setting boundaries together and sticking to them can keep things in balance; particularly important around technology.

Let your son try games that make him think, such as:

• The Witness (logic and spatial thinking)
• Portal 2 (physics and teamwork)
• Cities: Skylines (planning and resource management)
• Civilization VI (strategy and history basics)
• Minecraft (Education Edition) (creativity and programming)

🧠 8. Analyze Information

One of the most valuable skills today is the ability to efficiently search for and, most importantly, verify information–also known as media literacy. Turn this into a game and train your son: ask any question (e.g., “Why does the moon change shape?”) and have him find the answer, checking sources and separating facts from opinions.

📚 9. Learn About the World Through Movies and Books

Back to the Future, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, or The Jungle Book—let him watch and read age-appropriate stories about adventure, friendship, resourcefulness, and solving tough situations. This is also a great opportunity to then have conversations with your son about the lessons contained in movies and books.

🏕️ 10. Try Something “Adult”

Real fishing, hiking, volunteering for a community project, or even taking a trip to a new city without parents—your son needs to feel like he’s not just a child but becoming a young adult, too. It will be important to be sure he understands that such activities mean he needs to be more aware to stay safe, so be sure to talk through these aspects—without being too overprotective or ‘bossy’.

Support is Key

Growing up and developing isn’t a competition to see whose child is «cooler.» Let your son choose what interests him, and your role is to support him and not criticize his mistakes. After all, it’s through those mistakes that he’ll learn the most important lesson—understanding himself and the world around him.

References:

1. Your Child’s Development From 6 to 12 Years. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2. Activities For 7 To 11 Years Old: Engaging And Educational Fun. Healthy Young Minds
3. How to Promote Cognitive Development: 23 Activities & Games. Positive Psychology
4. Bulimwengu, A. S., & Cartmel, J. (2022). The tween years: A systematic literature review for services for children aged 10–13 years. Heliyon, 8 (1).
5. Janssen, I., Ferrao, T., & King, N. (2016). Individual, family, and neighborhood correlates of independent mobility among 7 to 11-year-olds. Preventive Medicine Reports, 3, 98–102.

Cover image: Pavel L Photo and Video/Shutterstock

Время на прочтение: 3 минут(ы)

The age of ten isn’t just a number—it’s a whole era of change. Your little girl, who was once content with simple toys, is now interested in the latest fashion trends, is forming her first real and lasting friendships, and may even be texting or chatting about things you know little about. How can you stay connected with your daughter and help her grow up confident in herself?

😣 1. Give Her the Right to Feel All Emotions

«Don’t cry,» «Stop being dramatic,» «You’re overreacting»—these phrases don’t help your daughter understand her feelings better. They can also promote negative stereotypes about females. Instead of blocking her emotions, teach her how to express them in a healthy way. If she’s angry, encourage her to tell you what’s bothering her rather than slamming doors. If she’s sad, let her share her feelings instead of shutting down.

A great practice is naming emotions aloud: talk about different feelings; how they show up through feelings, thoughts, and physically; and what to do about them. The better she understands herself, the easier it will be for her to manage her emotions.

🗣️ 2. Speak to Her as an Equal

Don’t dismiss your daughter’s problems. While a fight over matching backpacks may seem trivial to you, for her, it’s a big deal. If she comes to you upset about a friend, don’t brush her off—listen. A great response in these situations is: «I understand you’re upset. Tell me what happened?»

🤯 3. Stop Solving Everything for Her

Yes, it’s easier to pick out her jacket, sign her up for activities, and choose what goes in her lunchbox. But at 10, it’s time for her to start making decisions for herself. Start simple: let your daughter choose what to wear, how to decorate her space, and what to do in her free time. She needs to know that her opinion matters!

🚩 4. Never Criticize Her Appearance

It might seem obvious, but many parents still unintentionally hurt their daughters’ self-esteem. Even a passing comment like, «You should look neat because you’re a girl,» can sting.

If she asks, «Am I pretty?» try responding with: «What do you think?» or «You’re amazing, and it’s not just about how you look.» That said, it is still an area that may occupy her thoughts, so also think about suggesting, “Most of us feel better about ourselves when we practice self-care. What do you think would be good ways for you to do that?”

💳 5. Teach Financial Literacy

At 10, girls are old enough to start understanding how money works. Think about giving your daughter a small fixed allowance for the week and talk about how to manage it. Teach her how to save, make choices, and understand that money doesn’t appear out of nowhere.

🌸 6. Don’t Force «Girly» Hobbies on Her

Does she love cooking? Awesome. Is she into skateboarding? Fantastic!. Don’t limit her interests with ideas like «girls don’t do that.» Let her explore different activities, even if it’s coding, robotics, or soccer.

🤗 7. Teach Her How to Give Compliments (and Accept Them)

This is a key skill for building healthy relationships. If your daughter is shy about giving compliments or brushing them off when she receives them, discuss it. Start with simple compliments: praise her for her actions, teach her to notice the good in others, and encourage her to thank people for kind words. Encourage her to practice doing the same for others.

✅ 8. Explain Personal Boundaries

Her body, her things, and her emotions belong to her. If someone grabs her phone without asking, hugs her when she doesn’t want it, or asks uncomfortable questions, she can say «Stop.» Have this conversation regularly.

And most importantly, respect her boundaries yourself! Never read her diary, never laugh at her feelings, and don’t force her to hug relatives «just because.»

🚫 9. Teach Her to Say «No»

«No» is a boundary, too. Teach your daughter to use this powerful word not just for safety (which, of course, comes first), but also in everyday situations:

• «No, I don’t want to go just because everyone else is going.»
• «No, I don’t want to join that challenge.»
• «No, I won’t take on everyone else’s responsibility—I’m not the only one involved.»

This is an important skill that will help her avoid pressure and toxic relationships in the future. Notice that the examples include the “why.” This is helpful as it gives the person on the receiving end less reason to keep pushing.

🧘🏻‍♀️ 10. Show Her That Self-Care Isn’t Selfish

Teach your daughter to listen to her body: if she’s tired, she needs rest; if she’s upset, she should talk about it; if someone crosses her boundaries, she needs to speak up. One of the most important lessons to instill in her from an early age: taking care of yourself is crucial and necessary. You’re the only one of you you’ve got!

References:

1. 10 Parenting Tips for Preteens and Tweens. Child Mind Institute
2. Positive Parenting Tips: Middle Childhood (9–11 years old). Cdc.gov
3. Stern, R., & Elias, M. J. (2007). Emotionally intelligent parenting. Educating People to be Emotionally Intelligent, pp. 37–48. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers

Cover image: A.Ozerova/Shutterstock.com

Время на прочтение: 3 минут(ы)

Raising a 10-year-old boy isn’t just about making sure he’s fed, makes it to school, and is dressed appropriately for the weather—it’s about helping him understand himself, the world, and the people around him. How can you do this without endless lectures and power struggles? Here are some tried-and-true parenting hacks.

✅ 1. Listen More, Talk Less

At this age, kids start forming their own opinions. If you constantly cut your son off with “I know better” or “Just do as I say,” he might stop communicating with you altogether. Show him that his thoughts matter, even if they sometimes sound a little naive.

🤓 2. Explain and Negotiate

A simple “Because I said so” doesn’t cut it anymore. Your son needs to understand why he should do something. “You have to be home by 9 pm” won’t be as effective as “I worry when you’re out after dark because it’s not always safe.” The more logical your reasoning, the less pushback you’ll get.

⏰ 3. Get Him Involved in Household Chores

Ten is the perfect age to start teaching, and expecting, responsibility—cleaning his room, loading the dishwasher, or cooking simple meals. The trick? Don’t make chores feel like punishment. Instead of a boring to-do list, make it fun: pick a day to cook something new together, or assign your son an “important mission” like watering the plants. This builds both responsibility and confidence—where he knows “I’m a valuable part of the family!”

🤗 4. Do Things Together!

Instead of giving life lessons in a serious, formal sit-down talk, try bonding over board games, fixing a bike, or watching and discussing movies. Kids are much more likely to open up during shared activities than when they’re ordered, “Come here, we need to talk.”

💡 5. Let Him Try New Things—and Possibly Fail

If your son wants to play soccer today and quits after a month, that’s fine. Changing interests at 10 is normal—he’s figuring out who he is. Support his experiments, even if they seem like passing fads to you. That said, it can be expensive and disruptive to others to quit mid-season, so look for ways he can try out interests before fully committing.

🗣 6. Don’t Be the «Morality Police»

Ten-year-old boys sometimes test boundaries by talking back, using odd words (and yes, that can include profanity), or trying to act older than they are. That doesn’t mean he’s “on the wrong path.” Instead of shutting it down with strict rules, talk about where these behaviors come from and what he hopes to gain from them. Help him find more positive replacements.

💨 7. Allow Him to Argue

Disagreeing isn’t rudeness—it’s actually a life skill! Sure, it’s tempting to shut things down with a firm “Don’t talk back!”—but will that help him when he’s an adult? Healthy debates teach boy to express his opinions and will show him that his voice matters. The key is to help him argue and debate respectfully and calmly.

💁🏻‍♀️ 8. Own Up to Your Mistakes

If you lost your temper, punished your son unfairly, or overreacted, apologize. It won’t make you seem weak; in fact, it will show him that making mistakes is normal and that respect is a two-way street. Bonus: you’re helping him by modeling how to apologize appropriately as well!

🤝 9. Teach Conflict Resolution Without Physical Fighting

Kids deal with misunderstandings all the time. Your job is to teach your son when to stand his ground and when to let things go. Instead of saying, “Just hit back!” try, “Ask him directly what’s wrong” or “Tell him how that made you feel.”

😥 10. Never Shut Down His Emotions

“Boys don’t cry” is an outdated stereotype that does more harm than good. By 10, kids can recognize their feelings but don’t always know how to handle them. Instead of saying, “Stop whining,” try, “You seem upset—let’s figure out what’s really bothering you.” Journaling is also a great way for kids to process their feelings.

References:

1. 10 Parenting Tips for Preteens and Tweens. Child Mind Institute
2. Positive Parenting Tips: Middle Childhood (9–11 years old). Cdc.gov
3. Stern, R., & Elias, M. J. (2007). Emotionally intelligent parenting. Educating People to be Emotionally Intelligent, pp. 37–48. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers

Cover image: wavebreakmedia/Shutterstock

Время на прочтение: 4 минут(ы)

Nine is a big year for boys—it’s a time of growth, change, and figuring out who they are. Physically, mentally, and emotionally, they’re hitting new milestones, and as a parent, you’ll see plenty of exciting (and sometimes challenging) developments.

✅ What’s Happening in Their Bodies?

• The endocrine system (a network of glands that produce chemical messengers called hormones) is kicking into gear, setting the stage for puberty (but don’t worry, most boys have a few more years before big changes happen!).
• Posture matters! This is a key time for spinal development, so keep an eye on how they sit and stand.
• Their muscles are super flexible—great for sports, but it also means they might be prone to awkward, wobbly movements.
• Baby teeth are still being lost—dental hygiene becomes important for permanent teeth.
• Their brains are sharpening up, and their ability to focus on details is improving. You might notice more intricate drawings or a new love for building complex LEGO creations.

📏 Growth Spurts and Shoe Shopping

At nine, boys often start growing at what feels like lightning speed. The average height ranges from 4’5″ to 4’8″, and weight typically falls between 66 to 77 lbs. But here’s the fun part—while their height takes off, their feet seem to grow even faster! Be prepared for a few extra shopping trips as they suddenly outgrow their sneakers overnight.

Here’s what the World Health Organization (WHO) says about height and weight for 9-year-old boys:
→→→

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If you notice early signs of puberty, like significant body hair growth, it’s worth checking in with a doctor just to be sure everything is on track.

🤯 The Nine-Year-Old Mindset

This is when boys start forming their own little worlds—full of best friends, favorite YouTubers, and personal achievements. School turns into a competitive stage where they want to stand out, whether in academics, sports, or the latest video game challenge.

A big thing to remember: nine-year-olds take grades and conflicts seriously. If they get a bad mark or have a fight with a friend, it might feel like the end of the world. Your job? Remind them that mistakes and setbacks are just part of growing up.

And yes, fears are still a thing. Darkness, being alone, even existential questions about life and death might pop up. It’s completely normal, and they just need your reassurance that it’s okay to feel that way.

Active listening is a great way to communicate with him. The key points are giving your full attention, making eye contact, nodding, and responding without judgment while reflecting on what your son is sharing to show you understand.

🧠 Their Brains Are in Overdrive

Get ready for a flood of “why” and “how” questions—because at this age, boys start thinking in more abstract and logical ways due to brain development and maturity (although their logic will sometimes still be a little faulty). The tougher the problem, the more they want to solve it! They might suddenly get into science experiments, start reading more, or ask deep, philosophical questions. If you notice your son pausing to really think before responding, congrats—his critical thinking skills are kicking in!

😥 Emotions Run Deep

Even if they seem cool and collected, nine-year-olds have a lot happening inside. Stressful situations might make them lash out or retreat into themselves. They’re also starting to figure out their own identity and values, which can make them feel vulnerable.

This is the perfect time to show your son that expressing emotions isn’t a weakness. Let him know it’s okay to feel upset, frustrated, or even confused—it’s all part of growing up. Helping boys acknowledge and accept big emotions is important because there is still some societal pressure for males not to express these openly, yet doing so is a part of being mentally healthy.

🤝 Friendships and Independence

Friendships become more meaningful at this age. It’s not just about who’s fun to play with—trust, shared interests, and loyalty start to matter. You might notice your son spending more time with his friends than family, and that’s totally normal.

At home, he’s looking for more independence. He wants to pick his own clothes, make small decisions, and have a say in things. As a parent, balancing freedom with guidance is key—too much control might push him away, but too little can leave him feeling lost.

All of this is setting the stage for building a sense of belonging in the wider world–gaining a sense of who he is, and wants to be, and honing life skills on how to relate to peers.

🚩 Red Flags for Parents

If your son suddenly becomes withdrawn or has extreme mood swings, complains of frequent headaches or exhaustion, or seems to struggle with physical tasks or coordination, it’s worth bringing it up with a doctor. These could be signs of physical or emotional stress, and catching it early can make all the difference.

References:

1. Your Child’s Development From 6 to 12 Years. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2. Your Child at 9: Milestones. WebMD
3. Child Growth Standards. WHO
4. The Skill of Active Listening. Center for Parenting Education
5. Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know. Nemours Kids Health
6. Frosch, C. A., Schoppe-Sullivan, S. J., & O’Banion, D. D. (2021). Parenting and child development: A relational health perspective. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15 (1), 45-59

Время на прочтение: 3 минут(ы)

Age nine is a big year for girls—it’s a time of rapid growth, emotional shifts, and new experiences. As parents, understanding these changes can help you support your daughter through this exciting, and sometimes daunting stage.

✅ General Developmental Changes at This Age

Around this age, your daughter’s body is getting ready for puberty, even if the outward signs are not necessarily happening just yet. Her endocrine system (a network of glands that produce chemical messengers called hormones) is becoming more active, and her body is becoming more sensitive to these hormones.

Here are some key physical changes to watch for:

• Posture matters — Since her bones and muscles are still developing, encourage good sitting and walking habits.
• Flexibility is high — Her muscles are super adaptable right now, making it a great time for dance, gymnastics, or other activities that involve movement.
• Baby teeth are still being lost — Dental hygiene becomes important for permanent teeth.
• Better focus and attention to detail are present— Her brain and vision are improving, which is why her drawings might suddenly become more detailed.

📏 Height and Weight

The average 9-year-old girl in the U.S. is between 4’4″ and 4’7″ (133–140 cm) tall and weighs between 60–75 lbs (27–34 kg).

Here’s a general guideline based on WHO data:
→→→

⠀
At this stage, girls often grow faster than boys, and their body shape may begin to change slightly. They may develop a bit more fat around their belly and hips, which is completely normal and part of their body preparing for puberty.

Now is also a great time to introduce the topic of menstruation in a calm and supportive way. Even if it still feels far off, knowing what to expect can help your daughter feel more confident.

😥 New Emotions

Nine-year-old girls begin spending more time with friends than with family. Through friends, they gain a sense of belonging, learn about themselves and how to relate to their peers along the way.

They develop their own preferences, interests, and even celebrity crushes. Yes, you might not always love their choices, but don’t panic—this is just part of growing up!

At this age, girls also start feeling more pressure about grades, their appearance, and even small failures that might seem insignificant to adults. Stress over school, test results, or a performance gone wrong is completely normal.

Your role? Support her as she navigates these new experiences. Teach her that mistakes are part of life and that it’s perfectly okay not to get everything right on the first try.

🧠 Brain Power in Overdrive

A 9-year-old girl’s brain is firing on all cylinders! She’s more focused, patient, and eager to tackle complex tasks. But the real star of this stage? Her imagination. It’s exploding with creativity—she’ll draw, write stories, craft, and invent.

Encourage her to explore new hobbies like beading, sewing, or making jewelry—activities that boost both fine motor skills and artistic expression.

🤝 Friends Come First

At this age, friendships take center stage. Girls have a clear idea of who their «real» friends are, and they’ll spend hours discussing everything from their favorite TV shows to summer vacation plans.

But here’s where things get tricky: Friendship also comes with leadership struggles and trust issues. Conflicts can arise over who gets to be in charge or who’s «best friends» with whom.

Be there to support her. Help her understand that friendship isn’t about competition—it’s about mutual respect and kindness.

🪞 Criticism and Self-Esteem

Let’s talk about the tough part. Nine-year-old girls are incredibly sensitive to criticism. This is the age when they start actively evaluating themselves—their looks, abilities, and successes (or failures). Sometimes, they can be way too hard on themselves, which can directly impact their confidence.

Your job? Lift her up. Highlight her strengths, remind her how loved she is, and never underestimate the power of encouragement.

Praise her achievements, and if something doesn’t work out, gently show her that failure isn’t the end of the world—it’s just a stepping stone to success.

Active listening is a powerful and effective technique. The key points are giving your full attention, making eye contact, nodding, and responding without judgment while reflecting on what your daughter is sharing to show you understand.

🚩 Red Flags for Parents

It’s normal for 9-year-olds to worry about school, friends, and new experiences. But if stress or self-doubt becomes overwhelming, pay attention.

Potential warning signs:

• Extreme changes in mood, becoming very negative about herself
• Chronic fatigue, headaches, or trouble sleeping
• Avoiding social activities or losing interest in favorite hobbies

If anything seems off, check in with the doctor to rule out any underlying issues.

References:

1. Your Child’s Development From 6 to 12 Years. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2. Your Child at 9: Milestones. WebMD
3. Child Growth Standards. WHO
4. The Skill of Active Listening. Center for Parenting Education
5. Childhood Depression: What Parents Need to Know. Nemours Kids Health
6. Frosch, C. A., Schoppe-Sullivan, S. J., & O’Banion, D. D. (2021). Parenting and child development: A relational health perspective. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 15(1), 45-59.

Время на прочтение: 3 минут(ы)

Age nine is a fantastic time for girls to explore new interests, develop skills, and express themselves in creative ways. Here are 10 exciting and easy-to-implement ideas to support your daughter’s growth and development.

📝 1. Journaling or Blogging

If your daughter loves to write or share her thoughts, encourage her to start a journal or even a blog. It’s a great way to boost creativity, improve writing skills, and practice self-expression.
She can write about her daily life, hobbies, or dreams—whatever inspires her! If she’s interested in blogging, consider setting up a private or anonymous one (with a quick refresher on online safety, of course).

👚 2. DIY Fashion Studio

Nine is the age when many girls start experimenting with their personal style. Instead of just shopping for new clothes, why not encourage her to design her own? She can decorate her backpack with trendy patches, create fun hair accessories, or even sew outfits for her dolls. Let her inner designer shine!

🪴 3. Gardening Adventures

Taking care of plants teaches responsibility, patience, and even empathy. Help her create a small indoor garden with potted plants or a windowsill herb garden. Watching her plants grow will give her a sense of accomplishment—and bonus, you might get some fresh basil for dinner!

🎨 4. Art Therapy

Encourage your daughter to use art as a way to express her emotions. With the onset of puberty, comes a new challenge for emotional awareness and regulation. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or making collages, art is a wonderful tool for self-discovery. Sometimes, colors and shapes can say more than words ever could.

💠 5. Mosaic and Stained Glass Crafts

If your tween girl enjoys hands-on projects, introduce her to mosaic art or DIY stained glass. Working with colorful glass or ceramic pieces helps develop patience and attention to detail—and she’ll end up with a beautiful handmade decoration to proudly display.

🎭 6. Shadow Theater

Girls at this age love storytelling and magic and a shadow theater combines both! With a flashlight, paper cutouts, and a little imagination, she can create her own plays and bring fairy tales to life. It’s even more fun if the whole family joins in!

💌 7. Postcard Exchange (Postcrossing)

Teach your daughter about the joy of sending and receiving real mail through Postcrossing, a global postcard exchange program. She’ll get to send postcards to people around the world and receive meaningful connections in return. It’s a fun way to improve writing skills, learn about different cultures, and experience the excitement of finding something special in the mailbox.

📚 8. Books That Spark Imagination

A love of reading is a life-long gift. Encourage your daughter’s love for reading with adventure-filled books that expand her worldview. Classics like Harry Potter, Anne of Green Gables, or The Secret Garden are great picks. Discussing the stories together can help develop her critical thinking skills as well as emotional intelligence.

🤝 9. Volunteering with a Purpose

Volunteering teaches compassion and responsibility. Whether it’s helping at an animal shelter, participating in a tree-planting event, or making cards for seniors, small acts of kindness can make a big impact—not just on the world, but on her heart as well.

🍳 10. Cooking Like a Pro

Cooking isn’t just about making food—it’s about creativity, following directions, and experimenting with flavors. Try baking cookies together, making homemade pizza, or exploring different international dishes. Not only will she learn valuable life skills, but you’ll also create wonderful memories (and delicious treats!).

Helping your tween daughter explore new interests and develop confidence doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right mix of creativity, curiosity, and fun, you can turn everyday moments into opportunities for growth—physically, intellectually, socially, and emotionally. These and similar activities offer her an avenue to thrive, both now and in the future!

References:

1. Your Child’s Development From 6 to 12 Years. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
2. How to Promote Cognitive Development: 23 Activities & Games. PositivePsychology
3. MacDonald, F. (2016). Childhood and Tween Girl Culture. London, UK: Macmillan Publishers Ltd.
4. Bulimwengu, A. S., & Cartmel, J. (2022). The tween years: A systematic literature review for services for children aged 10–13 years. Heliyon, 8(1)

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