https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 11 Apr 2026 13:24:10 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838215 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 18:41:00 +0000 Sams Mom 2838215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lion: thank you, I will definitely pick your brain as I come across questions.</p> <p>@Kaohinani: you're awesome! I know I will definitely have more questions once I'm in the thick of it. It's always good to know I have people I can ask. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838206 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 17:47:07 +0000 Kaohinani 2838206@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My DD is ten, but you already know that by now after 3 mos together on the POAS ttc pages. Lol. I have been through ALL the crazy with her. I have also taught inner city homeless children (2nd and 3rd graders) and special education before moving into adult ed and personal training. If you need anything (eg. Responses to any questions from me OR my daughter and her friends, advice in weird situations ... ANYTHING), I am more than happy to help no matter what. Please, feel free to msg me. You are an amazing person to be taking your cousin ... a blessing, actually, and I believe you will parent her beautifully.<br /> P.S. Josina was pretty spot-on with the moodiness and the "likes" at age 8. 😉. Mamaof2 got it with the hair cleaning and music (My daughter STILL has trouble rinsing and LOVES music.) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838204 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 17:21:47 +0000 Mrs. Lion 2838204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: Please feel free to PM me! We are foster parents of a 10 and 11 year old and it was all new to me too. I'm happy to help answer questions. I am by no means an expert, but we are figuring things out as we go. ❤ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838202 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 16:50:18 +0000 josina 2838202@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: It is definitely hard to 'unlearn' everything they've grown up with so far. And Mom will always be mom but as she gets older (if she doesn't already) she'll definitely learn that mom was far from perfect.</p> <p>Other things DSD liked at that age was fingernail polish, mani/pedi kits, Just Dance games on the wii, shopping at Justice or Claires, craft kits. Since she's grown up with boys all the girly stuff may be extra fun. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838191 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 15:22:50 +0000 Silva 2838191@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd consider counseling for you and your husband with a therapist who is well versed in child trauma. It would be nice to get it started now, so that you can have some support and psychoeducation if issues do come up. If things go smoothly and its not needed, great! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838188 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:21:17 +0000 Mrsbells 2838188@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: I have a 6 year old so a little younger, she loves doing being involved in extra curricular things. I would see what your cousin likes such as swim, dance, gymnastics, etc and see if you can get her signed up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838185 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:13:07 +0000 Sams Mom 2838185@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@josina: I'm afraid that due to her pasts traumas that we will be dealing with her "growing up too fast" is the best way to put it. I know I can't force it, but I want her to have a childhood, I want her to have the not being the "adult/responsible" person life that I feel like she has missed out on.</p> <p>I am very concerned about how much her mom might be on a pedestal in her mind. I don't know how that could have happened from the outside looking in; but I know there are strange bonds formed with abusers. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838183 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 14:07:11 +0000 josina 2838183@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't currently have an 8 year old, but my step-daughter came to live with us at that age, 15 now.<br /> She was very mature for her age, so was never into barbies or anything like that. She was used to being around adults (and knew way more than she should thanks to her mom), so could be a bit bossy at times and needed some guidance as to hanging out with kids her age. She definitely had some girl drama so be prepared for that. She would rebel against her mom a bit I think because she didn't respect her, but her dad and I never had issues. I think boundaries/guidelines were really good for her and she's a GREAT kid.<br /> She loved shopping and picking out 'cool' clothes.<br /> Books have been suggested, but at least for her, she was not and is not a big reader, but excels in school anyways.<br /> Her mom will always be on a pedestal but now she knows her mom is not someone to look up to, she has learned from her mom's mistakes. </p> <p>ETA: Sports were really great for her also, she started basketball in 5th grade and that has given her a great friend-group and offers discipline in itself. It also helps as far as getting to know parents of her friends when you're at all-day tournaments together. </p> <p>I'm kind of all over the place with this, but hope some of it helps. Being a parent to someone else's child is tough but you are awesome for doing it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838179 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:58:09 +0000 looch 2838179@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What about having some art materials available, maybe a set of markers and a mandala coloring book or something like that. Books are really personal and you don't know what her reading level is and I wouldn't want to upset her by picking something that's not at the right level. Art supplies seem more generic and they're something she can do alone in her room. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838174 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:40:12 +0000 Sams Mom 2838174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaG: Thank you. I have already looked into one on one/family therapy to ease the transition and get her an outlet for anything she needs. I forgot about the school counselor being a resource. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838173 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 13:33:35 +0000 MamaG 2838173@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My girl turns 7 this month. I echo most of what @Mamaof2: said. My girl is a book lover. </p> <p>Closer to her arrival i would get time with the school counselor as well. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838165 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 12:56:25 +0000 Sams Mom 2838165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Good to know! I forget how early puberty and body changes seem to start now days (I didn't start until I was 14). Unfortunately/fortunately we will be moving her a couple states away from where she lives now; but I am all for a sleepover once she makes friends. (I can have my 3 nieces over for a sleepover too. They're 6, 8, &amp; 9).</p> <p>I will have to see if her grandma or great grandma can give me insight into what she loves movie and tv show wise. Also my husband's grandma is signing her up for an age appropriate bookroo subscription as soon as we pick her up. I am preparing myself that she might be a little behind when we do, because she isn't in the best home life and school tends to suffer for that. I love reading, so I am all for working with her or providing books for her to practice with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838158 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 12:33:34 +0000 Adira 2838158@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: So I don't have a daughter, but my best friend has one that just turned 9. When she was 8, my friend got her the American Girl Body Book (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-Revised/dp/1609580834/" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Care-Keeping-You-Younger-Revised/dp/1609580834/</a>) and she also mentioned to me about how her daughter started to have BO and they needed to bathe more (especially during the summer) and start to think about deodorants, or similar.</p> <p>Also, I don't know how far you live from where she lives currently, but my friend's daughter had her first sleep-over party at 8, so if you're able to do something with her friends (or maybe once she forms new ones), that would be cool.</p> <p>My friend's daughter was also really into the Descendant movies on Disney and pretty into Fairies. Also, really starting to do more independent reading was huge for my friend because it was something her daughter struggled with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838147 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:20:29 +0000 Sams Mom 2838147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mamaof2: Thank you! I have already picked out basic sheets and a comforter that can be used in rotation, but plan on taking her shopping to pick out a bed set, some new clothes, and some toys (my sister has 3 step daughters and my parents have also offered to help with toys and clothes)</p> <p>I didn't even have mean girls on my radar! Nooooooo </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838146 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:17:15 +0000 Mamaof2 2838146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: My DD turned 7 in March</p> <p>Here are some things I can think of:</p> <p>Bathing - she may or may not be able to wash her own hair<br /> my DD still needs help getting the shampoo out before using conditioner</p> <p>Music - she loves listening to music - maybe have some headphones and a kindle or iPod she can use</p> <p>Friends - the drama at this age shocks me - girls are mean. </p> <p>Toys - DD loves barbies and AG</p> <p>I would take her shopping when she arrives and let her pick out a few things on her own, like a blanket, fun bath towels, maybe some new pjs.</p> <p>I have found that this age is moody - loving one minute and then back talk the next. DD is really pressing her limits right now and I have to be very firm with expectations.</p> <p>I would imagine regardless of age this will be a tough transition - best of luck to all of you! :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838145 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:15:12 +0000 Sams Mom 2838145@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: I never hated hated my mom, but all 3 of us definitely clashed hardcore with my mom. It was a battle of wills where everyone is bullheaded. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838144 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:14:23 +0000 MamaBear87 2838144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sams Mom: that's totally not a given. I never hated my mom so don't get into that mindset </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838142 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 11:10:12 +0000 Sams Mom 2838142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaBear87: I hope so. I keep telling my husband we have time to get into a groove and settle down before the hormones come and take over her body and make her hate me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838136 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:42:12 +0000 MamaBear87 2838136@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I only have a 3 year old but just wanted to chime in and say good luck! You'll be a wonderful girl momma ☺. </p> <p>Mine from the time she was tiny has loved shoes and purses and loves to play dress up with me. I'd guess that would be a wonderful thing to come home to </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/calling-all-moms-of-8-yo-girls#post-2838135 Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:31:02 +0000 Sams Mom 2838135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So, I have a possible time line for getting my cousin, it's looking like a couple months from now we could be picking her up. </p> <p>I know it will be hard for her coming into the school year late in a new place... but this seems to be the least of my worries. </p> <p>My parenting experience to date is my son a nearly 2 1/2 year old little boy. I don't know what to expect at all, I think I am better prepared for all of the bad that can happen from her life experiences to date, but know nothing about the day to day. Like what is the normal growing pains of having a girl this age? </p>