Are you facing into the teenage years with your daughter? The teenage years can be turbulent for any family, but also lots of fun. For the kids themselves, so much is changing and happening to them, it’s worth telling them a few pearls of your wisdom and experience with these important things you should tell your teenager daughter.

From sex and friendships to self-belief and confidence, there are so many life lessons to learn during the teenage years. Your teen may not always come to you, as they did before, so making time for these conversations is really important.

Start with these important things you should tell your teenage daughter, but rest assured that we haven’t forgotten sons either with these important pieces of advice to give your teenage son.

Not just to sex but to anything that makes her feel uncomfortable or that she feels is bad or unsafe – alcohol, drugs, smoking, getting in a car with someone who has had a drink, going to a place she doesn’t want to be.

Equip her to stand up for herself and tell her you know she is smart enough to know what situations to avoid. And if she finds herself somewhere she doesn’t want to be, reassure her that she can call you anytime.

To avoid potential embarrassment, you could have a code word or phrase that she can text which means ‘call me and tell me I have to come home’ or ‘please come and get me’. She could also do this with a friend, so they can help each other out too.

From style to experiences, always be true to yourself. Listen to what others have to say but always have the confidence to make up your own mind and express your own thoughts.

It would be a very boring world if we were all the same!

We all fall out from time to time but good friendships will last a lifetime. Some of my best friends are from my teenage years. They know more about me than almost anyone else and we have grown up together, got into trouble together, but best of all had great, fun experiences together.

Always look out for your friends and treat them well.

Equally, recognise the friendships that are toxic. If a ‘friend’ is only your friend to use you, it’s not a true friendship.

It is a good idea to set boundaries with your teenage daughter. Do this together so she does not feel that you are trying to dictate how she should live her life. Set these early on in the teenage years and stick to them. and I mean you as well as her!

Make them fair and remember they can change as she grows and gains in confidence and maturity.

Your daughter will only be a teenager for a few short years – tell her to have a much fun as possible during this time and don’t spend her time wishing her life away!

Yes, there will be tough times; exams, love, periods, new school, spots and much much more besides but make sure she enjoys these years and makes memories that will last a lifetime.

Our bodies change dramatically during the teenage years. We all mature and grow at different rates, from the start of puberty and getting breasts to first periods, spots and pubic hair – and everything in between!

Never comment on your daughter’s size or appearance (e.g. weight) and gently tell family members to keep their thoughts to themselves! We have all been there when a family member you have not seen for awhile meets you and feels obliged to share their thoughts on how much you have grown….and not in a good way!

All you can advise is to eat a healthy and balanced diet as much as possible, to shower regularly and take care of your skin, to take exercise with a goal of being healthy rather than thinner. And remember, clothes come in all shapes and sizes – not all sizes are the same, it depends on the item of clothing and the store or brand.

They cost nothing and go a long way to making life easier as you grow.

• Always look people directly in the eye when you speak to them, don’t mumble.
• Have a strong handshake and always say please and thank you.
• Respect your elders, they have been around a lot longer than you have!

Teenagers live in an ‘instant world’ where many are used to getting almost anything they want when they want it. Teach your daughter that a bargain is not always a bargain and just because everyone else has one does not mean that she has to have one too!

Help your daughter learn to budget. A weekly allowance can help teach her the value of money. Teach her about savings and how important it is to put some of her allowance away each week for unforeseen expenses like phone credit or a night out.

Today’s teenagers live in an ‘always on’ world. From social media sites to mobile phones, they are rarely away from their devices for a long period of time. It is important to instil a sense of understanding in your teenager about how this mobile world can affect their lives, not just now but into the future.

Teach them that anonymous does not always remain anonymous. Pictures and comments posted now will stay on the internet forever for future employers, partners and families to look at. So before they post, ask them to consider how they would feel if you saw it – or their grandparents, friends’ parents, teachers, etc?

Try and get them to take a break from screen time, to read for fun and not just study, to hang out with friends, or to take some exercise or play sport.

Last, but certainly not least, make sure they know how much you love them now and will love them no matter what they do.

Strive to have the kind of relationship where your daughter can talk to you and feel that you will not judge, but will listen and give the best advice you can.