Best of 2023: Guiding Your Daughter Into Womanhood

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Donate at focusonthefamily.com slash gift. And I said to her, I want to be the first one to welcome you to womanhood. Your body is going to change. I'm going to tell you a little bit about things you may be noticing already.

And then I just want to celebrate that God made you this way. That's Robin Jones Gunn describing a really special moment in her young daughter's life, that transition from childhood to adulthood. And she'll offer ways that you as a mom can help your daughter navigate that kind of a transition in appropriate ways. Welcome to a best of 2023 broadcast of Focus on the Family. And if you haven't already guessed, we'd be delving into some topics that aren't quite suitable for younger children.

So direct their attention elsewhere. Thanks for joining us. Your host is Focus President and author Jim Daly.

And I'm John Fuller. John, that topic is puberty. And I'm not surprised that this was one of the highest response programs we've aired this year.

Kind of strange to think of that. But parents are more concerned than ever about helping children start out on the right footing, a godly foundation. And this program really resonated with you, the listeners and viewers. Now as the father of two sons, I don't know a lot about girls in puberty, to be honest, but we had two experts join me in the studio. Jenny Coffey is a marriage and family therapist and a member of our counseling team here at focus. She's also the mother of three girls and a boy ranging in age from 11 to six. And our other guest was Robin Jones Gunn, whom we've heard in that opening clip. Robin is an author, speaker, podcast host, and she's probably best known for her Christy Miller and Sierra Jensen series, young adult novels that she's written. Robin has two grown children, a daughter and a son. Her son works here at focus. Indeed. And the basis for the conversation was a book Robin wrote called before your tween daughter becomes a woman, a mom's must have guide. And we've got details about that resource and our guests in the program notes.

And Jim, here's how you began the conversation with Robin Gunn and Jenny Coffey on this best of edition of Focus on the Family. Well, let's start by describing the important relationship between mother and daughter. Robin, you say a mom should be the safest person for a daughter.

Absolutely. But that's not always the case. What do you mean? And what does safe look like? It's that the mom has made the initial attempt to start this relationship, this conversation as the daughter's getting older, so that the daughter will feel comfortable always being able to come to her mom with questions and that it's set up so that the daughter has that place of, well, I heard this at school, but I can go home and ask my mom. And so that she becomes that haven for her, really. Yeah. No, it's good. Jenny, describe your relationship with your mom.

How did that work? Yeah. So my mom definitely was my safe person growing up. I'm so grateful for, she's such a gentle soul. She's, she is truly like the, what is it? Is it Susie homemaker? What do people say? Yeah.

What is that? Was that the phrase? Okay. Yeah, she was very Susie homemaker. And I in a loving, wonderful way. And so I always knew as a kid, she was very much that nurturer. And my dad was they very much took traditional gender roles. Absolutely. And so that was one of those things that in anxiety or any of those types of things, I always ran to my mom and she felt like a safe place for me. Robin, we're basing this off your book before your tween daughter becomes a woman, which is filled with great insight.

We're not going to be able to cover everything. This is more of the discussion around the topic. But in there, in that book, you describe a listening language, something you use to improve the conversations with your children. I'm sure that applies to both sons and daughters, especially in their teen years.

What is listening language? Well, actually came about naturally was when our son was in high school, and he came home from school. And I asked him, as moms always do. So how was your day?

What happened today? You got more than a grunt this time, he just had lots to tell me. And I realized if I interrupt him, like I often would, or if I'd say, Well, that's not fair, you know, I was trying to solve his problems for him, then he would just stop talking. And it would become sort of shifted on to me to do something about it. So this listening language kind of kicked in where I just just had eyes only for him, and just said, Hmm, ah, oh, hmm, and so that he could keep going. So that listening language is just being so attentive. And then I had three questions that came very naturally after that the first was, how do you feel about that?

That's a great question for sons, because it's just like, what three emotions? I'm angry. I mean, but let him be able to formulate. Well, it's open ended there.

Yeah, I feel like I got ripped off. And so then, the next question was, what do you think should be done about that? And he kind of what I thought maybe you could, well, I thought, well, and then, when he had sort of a solution to the problem, I said, and what are you going to do about that?

So that I'm helping him mature and become the one who's solving his problems and moving forward. Yeah. So with daughters, same thing. There'll be a lot more words and emotions. Yes.

Really? Oh, yeah. So in that, describe that daughter conversation being different from a son's because again, I raised two boys. So I've never really had that father daughter conversation. It has to be Yeah, that you are all present.

So you've put everything else aside. And just, okay, tell me, what are you thinking? And you know, what do you feel a bit just that I'm listening to you completely? And again, it goes back to that, oh, my mom really cares about me.

She's the safe person I can go to and talk to about these things. When our sons and daughters are young ages, eight, 910. I'm trying to think when I think I took Trent out for the big talk, like at about 1112, the big talk, the big Yeah, and it was only a year later, I figured if big brothers onto things that I got to get little brother up to speed a little quicker.

So I think it was probably 910. And you know, talking to sons, I mean, basically, it was a dad, that's gross. That's kind of where it went with them. And not having daughters, I didn't have that chat. When you're counseling or talking with moms. What are the ages that you would recommend today with the culture as it is that you have that chat with we would agree? Yes, eight, eight or nine, or you've missed an opportunity. See, that's shocking to me. It seems so young. They say eight is too late. Well, now in schools, boy, if your child's in a public school, they're definitely getting exposed.

And really what school to be honest, right? Yeah, what you're wanting is you're trying to beat them finding out somewhere else. And that sounds I don't mean that to sound anxious, like don't feel anxious about it. But really trying to have the deeper conversation before they would hear an in depth conversation at school or through friends, which really isn't probably going to happen until third or fourth grade where it would be really in depth.

They're going to hear things probably. But yeah, I think we agree eight or nine. Yeah, I mean that again, it feels it feels so tragically early, right? Well, it used to be fifth grade was the year for the big talk. And many schools have now moved it down to fourth grade.

Just because in our Western culture, health, bodies changing. I react to that because man at that age, I don't think a school should be talking about that. That should be the parent. I'm 35. Mine was fourth grade.

So I mean, that wasn't that's not that new of a shift. The fourth grade, but that it has to be the mom's initiative to say, I want to start this conversation. And that's the main thing that we have to remember. You're not having the talk.

It's not just one and done. It's you're starting a conversation so that as a mom, you're building the bridge so that your daughter can feel comfortable walking back and forth as years go on and develop that relationship. Too many moms that I talked to said, well, what I did is here I am on womanhood side and there's this river between us. And I just told my daughter, Hey, if you have any questions, just let me know.

Probably not too helpful. No, because then the daughter is put in the position that she has to be the adult to start building the bridge. So moms need to be the ones to say, I'm going to, I'm going to take that step so that you feel safe again and, and that you can come back at any time.

The bridge is open. We're at this point. I was going to ask this in a moment, but your experience as a young girl was not a very positive one, which is one of the reasons you say you wrote the book to help other moms do better than your mom did not to be too, you know, we're only equipped to do what we can do. And I'm sure your mom didn't have a great instruction from grandma would be my guess.

Exactly. And so, but what were some of the contours of that moment for you and how, how she failed, if I could say it that well, I was terrified. I was only 10 years old and my body had begun to change. And then here I am, I don't know what's happening. And I finally, after two days, went to my mother in tears and said, I think I'm dying. And when your period started, you're bleeding, but nobody had talked to you. I had no idea what it was. That's tragic.

Yes. And so my, I can just see the moment. My mom was adjusting the heat on the wall and she said, Oh, you're bleeding.

We'll go get a bandaid. And I said, I don't think that would help. And she said, what's the problem. And I kind of pointed and she said, well, don't you know what that is? And that established this sense of shame between my mother and I, that anything in the future, I had to figure it out. Like I, Oh, I'm 10. I should know these things. And then she just provided supplies, shut my bedroom door, gave me a little booklet held together with a single staple.

And I just learned about body parts. And then we, she told me to come set the table for dinner after I'd taken care of myself. And that was the last time you chatted. Ever. Yeah.

Ever. And so then I was really determined with our daughter. I'm going to set aside a time where I am making it a celebration. God made you this way. Your body is doing what it's supposed to do since the beginning of time, every single woman, this is, this is so that you can nurture and bear new life. Well, let's get excited about that and really make it so that she feels the honor of being a woman. And it turned everything around in, in her generation for I'm sure just many, many generations of shame in our family. So that there was this chance for her to have this deep sense of I'm fearfully and wonderfully made.

God made me just like this. You're listening to a best of episode of Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. And our guests today are Robin Jones Gunn and Jenny Coffey. And this discussion is based on a book Robin wrote called Before Your Tween Daughter Becomes a Woman.

We've got details about how you can get a copy of that book in the program notes. Now, Robin, you did reconcile with your mom. Yes. So how did that go? And did you actually get that out on the table? You remember, mom, when I was 10 and this No, I never talked to her about that. But I had I knew I was holding in all this kind of bitterness that I didn't have a relationship with my mom as a young teen.

Oh, I like this boy. I couldn't tell her I had to figure out everything on my own. So then, when I married, I have a couple kids. And I realized a couple things I was doing.

I was turning out just like my mom. And with And that scared you. Oh, terrified.

Yeah. And then I realized, I don't want this soul wound to not get healed. I need to go to counseling, which I did, which really helped. And then I was able to forgive my mom fully and move forward. And it put me in the position to say, I can go to her she, the bridge is not there. She didn't choose to come to me. She's still not coming to me.

But I can go to her. And I would every time I talked to her on the phone or see her, I would tell her, I love you, mom. And my mom's still alive.

She's 95. And for years going to her being the one to say that. And then that beautiful day when I heard it back, love you too, just kind of small. And just two weeks ago, my husband and I were visiting my mom in the retirement home, the nursing home where she lives. And I always lean over and give her a kiss goodbye and look her in the eye and say, I love you, mom. And this time, we said, Well, we need to get going.

And I'm picking up my things. And she said, I love you so, so much. And I went over and gave her a little kiss and told her I loved her. And we were leaving. And my husband took my hand.

And he said, You heard that. And I just thought everything's redeemable. Like God can do anything. But as the mom, that when I was a mom, the gift of being able to start that closeness and relationship with my daughter early has then healed all the way across the board.

I mean, one of the big differences, perhaps in that is spiritually being aware being in tune being a daughter of the Lord. That's how the bondage is broken. Exactly that commitment.

I mean, we need to emphasize that. So you don't have to continue to live in those chains, metaphorically. Well, I'm sure in counseling, you see that all the time with the shame base that in fact, Jenny, I wanted to ask you, explain how children will imprint their first exposure of anything related to sex or their sexuality. So often when there's a disorientation sexually, there was some event that occurred in a child's life, it could be molestation, it could be exposure, a whole host of things. But it's amazing how we're wired, even as little children and how big an impact that can become, to set us on a spiral down as to our identity, who we are, our worth, our value, all of it.

It's like a bundle. And I think for girls, particularly so. Yes, I think it's a way that the enemy tries to take something like Robin was saying that God created and just weave his way in there to create shame as early as possible.

Because if there's shame, then there won't be this growing into who God created them to be physically, emotionally, mentally, all of it. And so we really see, and it's interesting being here in the counseling department, because we see these trends that I could never see in private practice one client at a time, right? You just won't see that.

We get calls all the time from people. I caught my son watching pornography, or I caught this or that in their first sexual experience. And the parents saying, I don't think I handled it well.

How can I fix that? And so I want to say first, that this isn't something where it's like, oh, if you didn't handle it, well, that's it, you've been printed that and that's done. And that's the way it's going to be. But we do absolutely know that a child's first exposure to anything sexual, whether it's the talk or anything, pornography, that the way we handle it as parents is going to 100% impact the way that they view sex, whether it's shameful, or whether it's just kind of a natural part of who they are. Yeah, I think too, for girls trying to, you know, understand, empathetically what they're going through, those changes are right there. I mean, again, they start their period, you know, their bodies are changing, the contour, their breasts are developing, etc. Boys are a little more hidden, we get laughed at because our voice is cracking.

Right, right. You know, you don't really see a lot other than that, you know, a little bit of muscle development, you grow taller, you grow four inches of your sophomore year, right? It's not as dramatic and not as closely related sexually, that that girls experience, I think it's also not as sexualized. I mean, voice development is just not as sexualized. Yeah, but so again, girls are bearing a different burden, right? Becoming women. And how does a mom talk to her daughter about that?

What does that sound like? Robin? So this works so well with our daughter, she was a real girly, she still is a real girly girl, love tea parties. And so I intentionally set up a time where we could be just the two of us. And I got all the cute little cupcakes and had a little gift bag for her with all the supplies she'd need when she started appearing. And she was 10 years old. And I sat her down, we had music going.

It was just this lovely evening, just the two of us at home. And I said to her, I want to be the first one to welcome you to womanhood, your body is going to change. I'm going to tell you a little bit about things you may be noticing already. And then I just want to celebrate that God made you this way. So it was as you're saying, so entry level, it wasn't like, I have to cover all the bases.

I'm terrified. I don't know how to explain this. But it was rather just setting up that comfortable time. And it turned out to be so sweet, because she was so relaxed to start asking the questions that weren't the ones I would have thought she would have asked. But that was what was I heard at school or this, you know, friend of mine said, so we could address all that. And then there were more conversations as we went on, but that established it. So if you don't have a girly girl, that's just fine.

But it's setting that time like maybe it's hiking. And so we're going to go out and take a picnic. And you know what, while we're out here, I just want to talk about how God made everything for a purpose. And he made your female body to nurture and bear new life.

And I want to celebrate that that's going to be happening. And your body is going to be changing. In fact, what did your daughter say when you told her that?

It's pretty profound. Well, it was really amazing because she said, well, so boys don't have that every month, do they? And I said, no. And she goes, and like, even angels can't have babies, can they? Nope, only a woman's body is created by God to nurture and bear that new life. She goes, well, then it's an honor to have that every month.

I'm like, I never thought that, but let's go. I mean, amazing, though, that she saw it elevated. Too bad we don't have that across the board in schools and in other places where they can learn. But that needs to be the mom, it needs to be the parent. And here's the thing, if the mom is not present, not available, that then the dad can step up and do something just as personal without being embarrassing to just, and there was when I was doing the research for the book, there was one really sweet story that came to me from a young woman who said that her parents were very open and always talked about sex, that the dinner table was a very common thing.

So she didn't have any surprises. And then when her mom was saying, now this is, we're going to go shopping and get the things you need. And she was going to take her for shopping for her first bra and just made it a whole girl's day event. And then she said that when the day came that she had her first period, her mom told her dad, when he came home from work, he had a big bouquet of flowers.

And he said, I want to be the first man that gives you flowers and just gave her a big hug. And like, what a founding that is, a grounding and that affirmation. Yeah, that it's not something you hide. You don't tuck it under the rug, so to speak. I'm thinking, I mean, I guess for the mom that's, this is coming up, she's got six, seven, eight year old daughter.

I mean, the eight year old would be right there at the precipice. Describe again, that on ramp, the best advice you would have to create that language, you know, we've got just a few minutes left. I want to make sure that moms really have that takeaway value. So okay, I need to do this.

What would you say this is? So we definitely say, and I can say this from experience and then also clinically, to let them lead the conversation. So I don't mean that as let them be the parent, like what Robin was saying. But you have to open the door for this a hundred percent. So it is our job as parents to build that bridge, but then allow them based off of maturity, based off personality, based off a lot of different factors that you're going to know your child best, allow them to continue to lead the conversation.

So you start it, you give them kind of the basics, the underlying of what it is that you want to address, and then let them keep going if they want to keep going. My oldest, oh, man, I mean, she's me. And my second daughter is my husband. So that'll be interesting to see.

That's another show. But my oldest, I mean, just went down the rabbit hole way more than I was expecting, but all very, we were just laying in my bed. It was a very, because the kids always say that our beds like a force field and it's safe.

So I love that. I love that they feel like they can come in and just be there. But it was like a Saturday morning, she just came in and, and we chatted and it was very comfortable because that conversation had already been segued into. And I think that would be the encouragement too, is don't make it this like, all of a sudden kids are like, what are we talking?

What are we talking about? So she kind of knew what it is that we would discuss. And then we just laid there and kept talking. And I let her continue to lead based off her comfortability, ask clarifying questions. And so there's the difference between, in my opinion, like the puberty talk and a sex talk.

I think those are somewhat different. We kind of had both because she just kept going. But that was really based off of her. She's my oldest. So I think maturity level wise and just, what about this?

And what about that? And so we just, and it was so great. It was, it was great for me to feel like I could set that stage for her well.

And it felt like an honor to do that for her. Robin, you've written the book, you know, before your tween daughter becomes a woman, given what Jenny's added to this, the discussion about it, how do you know you hit the goal? What should the end you as the mom should be going, okay, she's got it. You'll have evidence by how she continues to open up to you or not open up.

And then there's always redos. There was one mom that reached out to me and said, my daughter's 17 and I think I just really blew it. There's no hope for me. And then she said, what if I went back and just started a conversation with her now? I said, it's never too late.

Just tell her, I wish I would have said something five years ago, 10 years ago, you know, and that turned out to just be the turning point in their relationship. Because now the 17 year old, instead of rolling her eyes was saying, yeah, I wish you would have too. But now can I ask you some questions? What was it like when you and dad got married or these things so that it's always redeeming what's there?

It's never too late. And you think about the, just the bombardment of the culture. I don't know that you can do enough in this area to counterbalance the messaging that our kids are getting today.

So I'd say be courageous, both mom and dad, and do everything you need to do to prepare your kids, you know, spiritually, emotionally, and certainly physically. Let me ask you too, Robin, you compare a young girl's heart to a treasure chest. Let's end there. What, what is the analogy? Well, that you want to be making sure that the things that are going in that treasure chest are true jewels, and that she will retain those and keep those because friends at school or she'll hear things. And if she takes those lies and puts them in her treasure chest and says, that's who I am. And her identity is becoming based on what's not accurate.

This is a mom and dad's role again, to be saying, here's truth. And this is you, this is who God made you to be and putting that in her treasure chest. Then that stays the rest of your life. You know, it really is where the, as individuals, we look there to remember who we are and what we are created to be.

Yeah. And again, I think you have to come up with so many metaphors and analogies for your kids to catch at age appropriate levels. And I remember with my boys, it was about, you know, God's got a great wedding present for you.

It's going to be awesome. But unlike Christmas presents, you can't peak, you know, that's kind of the analogy. You can't open this up on the corner to find out you got the favorite Lego. Right. And they got it. I mean, you know, and thank the Lord to my knowledge, they're really doing pretty well in that area. And now they're in their twenties and, you know, it's, it's the kind of connection you want to have. And I'm certainly, that's true for daughters as well. Thanks for being brave enough to come on and talk about this and helping me out a little bit here.

I was, I was a little nervous, but you managed it for me very well. Robin and Jenny, really a great content, a good program for moms particularly. Well, I can't recommend this book enough before your tween daughter becomes a woman, a mom's must have guide Robin. Well done way to go.

Robin and Jenny. Thank you so much for being with us. Thank you, Jen. Really appreciate it.

Thanks. I really enjoyed my conversation with Robin Jones Gunn and Jenny Coffey. And I think it's clear why this is one of our best, most popular programs in 2023. This month we'll be featuring several best of programs for you because this content is so good and so practical for families today.

And so many of you responded to these programs. And if you're interested in Robin's book, please contact us. Focus on the families here to be a resource center for your marriage and parenting needs, and obviously to help you grow in your faith and become an effective witness for Christ. So send a gift of any amount to the ministry and we'll get Robin's book right out to you. That's our way of saying thanks for partnering with us to give families hope now and into the new year.

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You'll find all the details in the program notes. Well, it's our hope you have a great weekend with your family and your church family as well and plan to join us on Monday as we take a look at why commitment is critical to the success of your marriage. Because retreat is easy when it's an option. And that's the idea about commitment is that I want Aaron to know our only option is to move forward together.

Divorce isn't an option. On behalf of Jim Daly and the entire team, thanks for joining us today for Focus on the Family. I'm John Fuller inviting you back as we once more help you and your family thrive in Christ.

Feel that nip in the air? It's time to put on fuzzy socks, drink some hot cocoa, and decorate your home with a new season of Focus on the Family's Christmas Stories podcast. This year, we'll talk about the Nativity story in the Gospel of Luke. Join us as we chat about how Christ's birth inspires us, how we celebrate the season, and ways we find that childlike wonder again. Listen to the Christmas Stories podcast on your favorite podcast app.