It may be normal for your child to experience nipple hair, itchy underarms and a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but experiencing and dealing with these issues are two different things. With that in mind, we asked pediatrician Dr. Karen Sadler for her take on how you can help your child cope with her ever-changing body.

Issue: Pimples and breakouts
Contrary to popular belief, the amount of junk food your child eats isn’t directly related to how bad her breakouts are. “Eating lots of candy and chocolate doesn’t help,” says Sadler, “but nutritional choices alone aren’t responsible for acne problems.” What is responsible are changing hormones and external factors, like the products used on skin. Genetics can also affect the severity.
Approach: Trial and error, and simplifying your child’s cleansing routine. “I see a lot of kids using too-harsh products or ones that are wrong for their skin type,” says Sadler. “Simply using soap and water can help, as can products with 5% benzoyl peroxide.” If problems persist she recommends seeing your doctor.

Issue: Body hair makes an appearance
“Puberty and body hair go hand in hand,” says Sadler, but how much your child develops depends on genetics and gender.” To get an idea of how much hair they’ll experience, take a look at your family tree. If Grandma, Cousin Shelly and Aunt Lucy have thick and dark body hair, chances are she’ll follow suit.
Approach: Dr. Sadler suggests a walk-through of the ins and outs of shaving. “A lot of first-timers use the wrong technique, so this is a good opportunity for parents to show them the way.” Go against the grain, she says, and always invest in a good quality razor.

Issue: Sweat glands are working overtime
Sweating happens for two reasons. One, because of physical activity or sweat-inducing situations, and two, because it’s the way our body cools itself off. Period. “It’s important that kids know this isn’t happening because they’re not taking care of themselves,” says Sadler. “Sweat happens to everyone and it’s a part of puberty.”
Approach: A hard working deodorant (to mask any smells) or anti-perspirant (to minimize how much sweat is produced). Note: Some kids may develop hyperhydrosis, a condition where the body produces more sweat than is necessary. Speak to your doctor about treatment options.

Issue: Sleep becomes a problem
Ever wonder why your child has no problem sleeping the day away? According to Sadler, adolescence brings about a shift in your child’s sleep cycle – usually in the area of two hours. If your pre-pubescent daughter usually woke at 8 and went to bed at 9, it’s not unusual for her to wake at 10 and go to bed at 11 once puberty has started. “Changes in their personal and school life are usually responsible for this pattern – it’s to be expected and is completely normal.”
Approach: Establish a sleep routine, and help your child prioritize and organize their lives. “Rather than let her watch TV after school, encourage her to do the homework right away. She’ll get it out of the way and it won’t cut into her sleep schedule later on.”

Issue: PMS looms
Think of words associated with PMS and chances are not-so-complimentary adjectives come to mind. But the good news is that not all women suffer from PMS, and it is avoidable. “It comes down to lifestyle,” says Sadler. “It’s not hereditary – there are definitely ways to get around it.” The key, she says, is to lead by example.
Approach: Let your daughter know that she can avoid PMS if she makes eating right and working out a priority. Start by establishing workout habits for yourself – like a weekly hike – and encourage her to join in. The younger she is when making physical activity a part of her life, the better the chances are she’ll make it a lifelong habit.