By Dannah Gresh, Founder of True Girl
Raising a tween girl can feel overwhelming. A study published by Developmental Psychology found that maternal depression is most common among moms of middle schoolers. Some even say parenting tweens is harder than parenting a newborn.
At True Girl, we hear moms loud and clear. One of their biggest concerns? Society’s push to make girls grow up too fast. The rise of boy craziness, social media pressures, and mean girl drama can leave moms second-guessing themselves. Is it okay to say “no” or “wait”? How do you protect your daughter’s confidence and self-worth while setting healthy boundaries? Can you teach modesty without harming her body image? Should you allow sleepovers?
Some questions have clear biblical answers. Others? Not so much.
The Power of Personal Conscience
That’s where your personal conscience comes in. Have you ever felt that little nudge inside, guiding your decisions? That’s your conscience—an inner compass God placed in you. He calls us to Himself and writes His law on our hearts (Romans 2:15), helping us discern truth even when there’s no black-and-white answer in Scripture. James 1:5 reassures us:
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
So, mom, ask God. Pray. Seek wise counsel. Then, confidently say “yes,” “no,” or “wait,” trusting that God’s wisdom is leading you. And don’t worry if your answer is different from another mother's!
Your Daughter Has a Conscience, Too
She’s still learning how to use it, and she needs you to help shape it. The tween years (ages 8-12) are some of the most formative in a child’s development. In Six Ways to Keep the Little in Your Girl, I wrote:
"Value formation—concerning purity, family structure, sobriety, and other all-too-common teen issues—does not occur during the teen years. These values are formed from ages 8 to 12."
Researcher George Barna warns:
"What you believe by your thirteenth birthday is generally what you die believing."
That’s why these years are so critical. The culture is throwing impossible beauty standards, over-sexualization, and toxic friendship norms at our daughters earlier than ever. But studies show the #1 factor in protecting a girl’s heart is parent-child connectedness.
Two Truths Every Mom Needs to Hear
Yes, motherhood can be overwhelming, especially during the tween years. But God has given you the tools you need to navigate it with peace and confidence. Here are two things you can count on.
- You are the mom God designed for your daughter.
God knew your strengths—and your weaknesses—long before you did. He made you her mom for a purpose, and He never makes mistakes. He is walking this journey with you. - God’s Word is your best parenting tool.
As your daughter builds her worldview, Scripture is the foundation for lifelong godly values. Getting her into God’s Word is one of the best things you can do for her.
A Night That Will Strengthen Your Bond
Now that you remember just how important you are to your daughter, how about making the most of it? In just 2 ½ hours, you can connect, laugh, and equip her with biblical truth. The True Girl Crazy Hair Tour is designed to help moms and daughters build a strong, faith-filled bond—through fun, biblical truth, and unforgettable memories.
👉 CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS!
Mom, you’ve got this. And you don’t have to do it alone. We’re here to walk beside you every step of the way.
