Your daughter at 17

At 17, your daughter is in her final stages of adolescence (the period between childhood and adulthood). But she continues to change, grow emotionally and learn about herself and the world. Here's what you can expect during this important year.

In general

Your daughter's physical changes will stabilize and she will get to know her body better. She has already had her period and has reached her full adult height.

Mentally, your daughter will think like an adult. She could focus on her plans for the future. Her goals will become more realistic and she will better understand who she wants to be.

Emotionally, your daughter will become more independent than ever. But she will probably still have a lot of teenage ups and downs. Like adults, teenagers can develop depression. If she is sad for more than 2 weeks, it is not normal. Call her doctor.

Socially, it may be easier for your daughter to resist peer pressure. She will probably want to spend more time with her friends than with her family. But she will still need you to set boundaries. Talk to her about the consequences of breaking the rules instead of just telling her what to do.

Dating and sex

Your 17 year old daughter probably thinks a lot about dating and sex. She begins to understand the give and take in her romantic relationships, and she sees that other people's happiness can be just as important as her own. She will become more aware of her orientation (heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, etc.) and may have sex. You can help her figure it out by talking to her about things like:

Birth control
Consent
What to do if she’s ever in a situation where she doesn’t feel safe
Sexually transmitted diseases
Her options if she gets pregnant

Body Image

Teenage girls can be very concerned about their appearance, especially their weight. It is normal for girls to gain body fat during adolescence. But some do not feel comfortable with it and try to get rid of it by any means. Adolescents who are involved in dancing (ballet, etc.) or participating in sports such as gymnastics, ice skating, or athletics are particularly at risk for eating disorders, as they may feel the need to "gain weight" or have a certain appearance.

You can help your daughter avoid an eating disorder by talking to her about:

Healthy eating
Treating food as fuel, not a reward
The dangers of dieting or eating to handle her emotions
What she sees in magazines, on TV, or online

If you notice signs of an eating disorder, talk to your daughter. Make an appointment with your doctor for a checkup.

Alcohol and drugs

As your daughter goes out into the world and experiences more things, she may encounter teenagers who use alcohol or drugs. It is estimated that one in four children between the ages of 12 and 17 have used drugs. The age of 16-18 is the peak age for these activities. Talk frankly with your daughter about drug addiction. And remember, if you drink or do drugs a lot, you tell her it's okay. The same is true for smoking.

Internet and social networks

Your 17 year old daughter has never known a world without the Internet. While you might be surprised at how quickly her thumbs slide across her smartphone keyboard, she needs your guidance to stay safe online. Make sure she: