If you have to get up at 6 a. m. for school, you should go to bed no later than 9:30 or 10:00. the night before. Your friends might stay up later, but you do most of your growing and brain development while you sleep, so don’t sell yourself short by staying up late. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Even though you might be tempted to sleep in on the weekends, try to maintain a consistent routine as much as possible.
Be sure that you wipe thoroughly. Wipe from front to back, never from back to front. This is because the germs from poop are sometimes left behind on your anus, and if you wipe from back to front they can transfer to your vagina and cause an infection. [4] X Research source
Use a mild facial cleanser. If you have acne, you can use a face wash that contains benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which can help get rid of your pimples. [6] X Research source Use a gentle moisturizer with at least an SPF 30 to protect your skin from sun damage and to replenish the moisture lost when you washed. [7] X Research source
Consider starting with a mild, natural deodorant such as Tom’s of Maine, and if that doesn’t seem to provide the protection you want, try an antiperspirant.
Sometimes tween girls feel a lot of pressure to dress like their closest friends, or even to dress like older girls. You should wear whatever makes you feel happy and comfortable, and try not to worry about what other people choose to do. Any friends who pressure you to dress a certain way or look a certain way are not good friends. That’s called peer pressure, and you don’t need those kinds of friends in your life. True friends love you the way you are. [9] X Research source
Talk to your parents before wearing make-up. Many parents prefer for their daughters to wait until a certain age before wearing make-up, and some parents make a rule that tweens shouldn’t wear make-up to school. If you do have your parents’ OK to wear make-up, just use a little at first. Learning how to properly apply make-up so that it looks natural takes time. Start with one or two things, like lip gloss and blush. After a few weeks, you might add a little skin-toned eye shadow with a bit of shimmer. You don’t need to wear a full face of make-up, and besides, using a bunch of foundation and concealer can clog your pores and make your skin break out in a rash. Instead of foundation, use a healthy BB cream.
A healthy breakfast consists of protein, whole grains, and fruit. Try yogurt with granola and fresh fruit, or whole grain cereal with milk. Do not choose to go for pizza or any particularly fatty and heavy foods. [11] X Research source
At your age, you are probably still losing some of your baby teeth, but most of your teeth are permanent adult teeth. It’s important to care for these teeth to prevent decay and cavities. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should spend about 3 minutes total brushing your teeth: be sure to get every surface of every tooth. [12] X Research source
Having a positive outlook and expecting good things to happen during your day can actually increase the chances that you will have a good day. It’s no fun having to do extra homework when you could be hanging out with friends! Get all of your homework done, and turned in before it’s due.
Getting to class on time and with the proper supplies (books, pencils, homework, etc. ) takes self-discipline. Your teachers recognize which students do their best to be in class on time, and do their work on time.
Try to include all five food groups: fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains, and dairy. Don’t forget to drink water too![13] X Research source
Remember, not using the bathroom frequently can cause bladder infections. [15] X Trustworthy Source Go Ask Alice Medical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source You could also have an accident if you wait too long to go. You should plan to go at least once during the school day, around lunchtime if possible.
Tween girls are growing and changing, and their personalities and interests change, too. It’s not uncommon for tween girls to find that friendships they’ve had since early childhood are no longer a good fit. Instead of fighting or gossiping, find new friends that you are more compatible with. [16] X Research source
Find a quiet place where you can work on your homework every day after school, such as an office, bedroom, or even the city library if your home is too noisy to focus. Keep a planner to record homework assignments and due dates. Even a plain notebook will work. It’s important to start developing your organizational skills now, because the amount of homework you have will only increase in the next couple of years. [18] X Research source
Try to be active for at least 60 minutes each day. You can pick whatever type of activity fits your personality: swimming, dancing, biking, running, even playing tag in the backyard counts!
The United States Department of Agriculture has made it easy to plan a healthy meal using a plate. Half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables and the other half should be grains and protein. Have a glass of milk or a serving of cheese or yogurt on the side. [19] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source Avoid soda and other sugary drinks. Water or milk provide the nutrition you need without unhealthy additives and sugar. Also watch out for salt; most Americans consume way too much of it, and it can be dangerous for your heart. [20] X Trustworthy Source USDA Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion U. S. agency responsible for promoting good nutrition based on scientific research Go to source While you don’t need to stress out about calories, keep in mind that if you eat too much or too little food, you will not have the right amount of energy to do the things you love. Consider helping your parents prepare dinner. You are old enough to learn the basics of cooking and meal preparation, and cooking is a very important life skill, plus it gives you bonding time with your parent. If your family has a cookbook, ask your mom or dad if you can choose a few meals and help prepare them each week.
Be sure to wash your face, especially if you have an oily complexion, if you have done anything to make you sweat, or if you’ve applied any make-up.
As you get used to your daily routine, you may find that some areas need rearranging to work with your schedule or family life. That’s OK! Do what works for you in order to stay healthy, clean, and happy.
Most girls start their period around age 12, but some girls start much sooner or later. Don’t worry if you are the first– or last– of your friends to get your period. Some signs that your period will start soon include breast budding (when your breasts first start to fill out and you start needing to wear a bra), armpit hair, and pubic hair. When these things happen, your period will likely follow within a few months. [21] X Research source Your period will usually happen once a month and will last 3-7 days, but when you first start to get it, you might miss months in a row or have more than one period in a given month as your body gets used to menstruating. [22] X Research source
The first day of a period is usually the heaviest, and it is followed by lighter days of bleeding. You might bleed a lot or a little, or even just “spot” or experience little drops of blood, especially for the first few months of your period. [23] X Research source How much or how little blood comes out is called your “flow. " How often you need to change your pad depends on how heavy your flow is. You might be most comfortable changing it every hour or two until you get used to your flow and know what to expect. The first time you start menstruating, you might not be prepared with a pad. If it happens at school, go see your school nurse or talk to any female teacher or school employee. Otherwise, tell your parent or caregiver, and they will make sure you get the supplies you need.
In addition to changing your pad every few hours, be sure that you shower daily. Use a mild soap to clean your vulva and bottom, and be sure to rinse it well. You don’t need to clean inside your vagina (in fact, doing so can cause an infection).
Emotional changes, including weepiness or mood swings. Tiredness. Stomach cramps, nausea, or headaches. Talk to your doctor, school nurse, or parents about medication you might take if your symptoms bother you.
