Boredom Isn't Bad: Dealing with the "Off-Week" Between the Holidays "Mom, I'm bored." If you have daughters home during that strange liminal week between Christmas and New Year's, you've probably heard this refrain more than once. The presents have been opened, the excitement has faded, and suddenly your girls are wandering around the house like lost puppies, phones in hand, sighing dramatically. Your first instinct might be to fix it—to plan an activity, suggest a project, o

She's snapping at her sister over nothing. She's tearful one moment and bouncing off the walls the next. She can't seem to settle down for bed, and when she finally does sleep, she's up at dawn demanding to know what's happening today. If your daughter seems like a completely different person during the holidays, you're not imagining it—and you're definitely not alone. The holidays are wonderful, but they're also deeply dysregulating for kids. Late nights, sugar-loaded treats

In today's hyperconnected world, our daughters are surrounded by voices—some we know, many we don't. Between social media feeds, YouTube algorithms, and group chat dynamics, the question isn't whether our girls are being influenced, but rather: by whom, and toward what? The Invisible Influences When we think about influence, we often picture the obvious culprits: that friend who seems a bit wild, the celebrity they follow obsessively, or the trending TikTok personality du jou

Co-Parenting and Blended Family Stress: Supporting Girls Through Split Holidays The holidays are supposed to be magical. But when you're navigating custody schedules, multiple households, new partners, and blended family dynamics, they can feel more like emotional obstacle courses—especially for your daughter. While other kids are settling into one cozy family celebration, your girl might be packing a bag, saying goodbye mid-holiday, trying to remember which traditions happen

Help parents identify early warning signs of self-doubt, anxiety, or social withdrawal — and how to respond with connection, not correction.  Twelve-year-old Maya used to bound through the front door after school, eager to share every detail of her day. Lately, though, she heads straight to her room, mumbles "fine" when asked how things went, and has stopped raising her hand in class—even in math, her favorite subject. Her mom wonders: Is this just a phase, or something more

Break down research showing why middle childhood is the "sweet spot" for building resilience and emotional intelligence — before self-doubt and social comparison take hold. Between ages 8 and 14, something remarkable happens in your daughter's brain—and it creates a unique opportunity that won't last forever. Middle childhood, roughly ages 6 to 14, represents a pivotal developmental stage where children develop a sense of self-esteem and individuality according to CYC-Net . T

The holidays can be joyful—but also overwhelming for tween girls who are still developing their sense of identity and confidence. Between big family gatherings, unfamiliar relatives, and endless questions (“How’s school?” “Do you have a boyfriend?”), it’s easy for a young girl to feel anxious, shy, or unsure of herself. Here are a few ways you can help your daughter feel grounded and confident this season: 1. Talk About What to Expect Before heading to a family event, talk th

A weekly gratitude practice from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve—with three unique prompts each week to build resilience, joy, and emotional awareness. The holiday season offers more than festive meals and wrapped presents. It provides a unique opportunity to help your daughter develop one of the most powerful tools for emotional wellness: gratitude. Previous research has established that gratitude reduces suicide risk in young adults by reducing depression and increasing

Help your tween develop healthy money habits through the season of giving—with practical lessons that last a lifetime. The holidays present a perfect opportunity wrapped in festive paper: a chance to teach your daughter valuable lessons about money, generosity, and making thoughtful financial decisions. While the season emphasizes giving and receiving, it also offers teachable moments that can shape her relationship with money for years to come. Studies reported by OpenStax s

Highlight how art, journaling, and storytelling help girls process emotions and express identity—with AI-powered gift ideas for this holiday season. Creative expression isn't just a hobby for tween girls. It's a vital emotional tool that helps them navigate one of the most challenging developmental periods of their lives. Art making emerges as a valuable tool for enabling children to convey emotions both verbally and non-verbally, fostering a positive self-concept. Research c

In this season, the days grow shorter and darker, many families notice a shift in their child's mood and energy. What might seem like typical teenage moodiness could actually be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, typically emerging in fall and winter. While often associated with adults, seasonal depression affects young people too. Studies suggest that approximately 3-5% of children and adolescents experience SAD, with symp

By Alicia, Founder of ChatterGirls This past week, I had the joy of traveling across the country to celebrate my granddaughter’s birthday and her confirmation. Like many grandmothers, I was thrilled to celebrate her birthday—but I didn’t expect the trip to also give me a window into how today’s girls are growing, connecting, and communicating in such a fast-changing world. To my surprise, this trip gave me an unexpected window into the world of today's teenage girls—and I cam

For moms raising girls ages 8–14: how to teach responsibility with empathy and fairness. Parenting during the tween and early teen years means walking a fine line — you want your daughter to take ownership of her actions without turning every misstep into a battle. Accountability is not about control; it’s about coaching your child to recognize consequences, take responsibility, and build confidence from her own decisions. Why accountability matters (quick fact) Research from

"Whatever, Mom." The eye roll. The slammed door. If you're raising a tween or teen, these moments probably feel painfully familiar. Research shows that parent-teen conflict peaks during early adolescence, with parents and teens disagreeing an average of 20 times per month. But here's the good news: conflict doesn't have to mean disconnection. Why Communication Gets Rocky Between ages 8 and 14, your child's brain is undergoing massive reconstruction. The prefrontal cortex—resp

As our girls transition from childhood into adolescence, one of the most precious gifts we can give them is a foundation of trust. Yet building emotional trust with teens can feel like navigating uncharted waters. The good news? Research shows us clear pathways to strengthen these vital connections. Why Trust Matters More Than Ever The statistics are both sobering and motivating. Research involving over 3,000 adolescents found that trust between parents and teens is directly

Artificial intelligence isn't coming—it's already here, and your daughter is likely using it more than you realize. From AI-powered search results to chatbots helping with homework, these tools have quietly become part of our children's daily lives. As parents, understanding this technology and teaching our daughters to use it safely and responsibly has never been more important. The Reality: Most Kids Are Already Using AI The statistics might surprise you. Research from Comm

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