Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #FreshNaturally #CollectiveBias

Just a little warning that this post is going to get real. Parenting a girl real.

Let’s face it, we all know that as a parent, we are going to have to face puberty as some point – something some may experience sooner than others.

For me, Buggy is 8 years old and is showing signs of pre-puberty so I’m in the market for learning about pre-puberty, puberty, and
for my daughter.

Pre-puberty occurs, on average, before age 8 in girls and before age 9 in boys. Because Buggy is 8, I am focusing on girls (sorry boys, but come back in about 3 years and I’m sure I will get there too!)

To be honest, I knew it would all come eventually, but I guess I didn’t remember it starting this early! For me, I don’t remember talking to my mom about things like this so I am hoping that Buggy and I can have a closer relationship when it comes to the changes that her body is going through.

Next to being educated, I think having open communication between mother and daughter about the changes is important.

Signs of pre-puberty in girls

Hair growth

Budding breasts, belly, and hips

Rapid height growth

Weight increase

Menstruation

Acne

Hormones

Body odor

While there isn’t much I can do about most of these signs, I can deal with the body odor that we have noticed.

Aside from expressing the importance of proper hygiene and having her shower daily, I have found her a deodorant containing
.

In all honesty, I may not pay much attention to what goes in or on my own personal body, but I am very cautious of what goes in and on my children’s body – so a deodorant that uses natural ingredients is important to me.

Tom’s of Maine long-lasting deodorant is the perfect solution for Buggy!

“At Tom’s of Maine, we believe one thing that makes our products good is how we make them. That’s why we’ve always been committed to high quality standards and never use artificial colors, flavors, fragrances, preservatives or animal testing. You deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing the products you choose not only work, but also share your values.” — PAM SCHEELER, TOM’S OF MAINE CLAIMS SUPPORT LEADER AND NATURAL STANDARDS ADVOCATE

Tom’s of Maine products can be purchased on their website, but I prefer to do my shopping on Amazon for two reasons – (a) I am a Prime Member which typically means free 2 day shipping and (b) I shop through Smile Amazon so my purchases donate to a special cause of mine.

I ordered my Tom’s of Maine deodorant from
:

I went with an unscented stick just because I was worried about sensitivity to scents with Buggy only being 8; however, there are scented sticks that really do sound like they would smell good (apricot, lavendar, lemongrass and more!) They even have men’s deodorant!

This effective line of long-lasting, aluminum-free, deodorant sticks uses odor-fighting hops and the mineral zinc to provide 24-hour odor protection to help keep you feeling fresh throughout the day, while the natural fragrance helps you smell and feel your best!

We have been pleased with our
deodorant for Buggy. It has the natural ingredients that I know will not do her harm and we aren’t plagued with Buggy’s new… “mature odor”.

Do you have a child that is going through or has gone through puberty? What tips can you provide me?