As a mom to a soon-to-be teenager, I’ve learned that there are certain must-have essentials every mom should have to support their child’s growing independence. With my daughter’s 13th birthday just around the corner, her needs and preferences have shifted dramatically. She’s no longer the little girl I used to dress or shop for; she’s developing her own style and self-care routines. That’s why I’ve put together this list of seven must-have essentials for moms with soon-to-be teenagers, covering everything from skincare to accessories to help her feel confident, organized, and ready to take on the world!
1. Skincare Products for Teens
One of the biggest changes we’ve seen during this phase is her skin. Hormonal changes have led to breakouts, so a daily skincare routine is now a must-have essential for my soon-to-be teenager. In the morning, she uses a moisturizer with SPF for hydration and protection. At night, her routine includes washing her face, she is using Cetaphil Oil Free Gentle Foaming Cleanser, it has no fragrance to avoid any skin irritation. She is applying Differin for acne treatment, recommended by her pediatrician and finishing with a night moisturizer. For particularly stubborn spots, she is using acne patches, which are absolute lifesavers. She has been trying many brands and her favorite is PanOxyl.
2. Comfortable and Stylish Outfits
Gone are the days when I could pick out her clothes without question. Now, we shop together and I love watching her develop her own style. Recently, we’ve focused on adding versatile staples to her wardrobe that can be dressed up or down, like well-fitted jeans, casual tops, and cozy sweatshirts. These outfits are perfect for school days, weekends with friends, or even just hanging out at home. Her favorite shops include American Eagle for tops and H&M for jeans. She’s also been loving Converse sneakers and likes to change things up between sporty brands like Nike or going casual with Crocs. And while I cover most of the essentials, for those more expensive outfits, we’ve agreed that she contributes some of her own money—an important lesson in budgeting that I think will serve her well.
3. Accessories to Elevate Her Style
Accessories are where my daughter loves to experiment. From hair clips to jewelry, these little touches are must-have essential for a soon-to-be teenager looking to express her style. She frequently orders accessories from Temu, a budget-friendly option for teens who love variety without the high-end price tag. It’s been fun watching her find the perfect pieces to complete her look.
4. A Good Planner or Notebook
The teenage years mean more responsibility. School, extracurriculars, and a growing social life can easily become overwhelming. My daughter has minimal ADHD, and one of the strategies her cognitive behavioral therapist suggested was adopting a daily routine. She now uses weekly routine pages to structure her days, which has been incredibly helpful in keeping her on track.
A cute planner or notebook is always on her desk, which helps her stay focused (and it makes me happy too, as it means fewer forgotten chores!). Whether it’s jotting down homework assignments or her plans for the weekend, having a system for staying organized is crucial.
5. A Personal Journal
In addition to staying organized, my daughter’s journal has become a lifeline for self-expression. Every day, she writes in her gratitude journal, reflecting on her thoughts and feelings. It’s a key part of her daily routine, and I’ve noticed how it helps her process emotions in a healthy way.
I’m proud of how she’s embraced journaling. It’s become a wonderful way for her to unwind, express herself, and connect with her inner thoughts. This simple habit has given her a healthy outlet to explore and understand her emotions as she navigates this transitional stage.
6. Tech Gadgets and Accessories
Let’s face it: in today’s world, phones are practically an extension of our kids. Thankfully, her school has a policy against phone use during school hours, which gives me some peace of mind. Outside of school, though, her phone is a big part of her life, whether she’s chatting with friends or listening to music.
She also loves her Apple Watch and AirPods. One fun thing I’ve noticed is that she enjoys changing her watch straps and AirPod cases every couple of months—something I’m happy to indulge since it’s an inexpensive way for her to update her look. Like with her clothing, when it comes to pricier items, she often saves up and buys her own accessories, teaching her the value of money.
7. Personal Care and Makeup
At this age, personal care has become a huge focus for my daughter, and she’s very particular about what she uses. Her favorite body care brand is Sol de Janeiro (which smells amazing!), and she’s obsessed with their perfume—item she buys with her own money. When it comes to essentials like deodorant, pimple patches, etc. I make sure our household is always stocked. During her monthly cycle, she prefers period underwear over pads, which has helped her feel more comfortable and confident. Giving her the autonomy to choose what works best for her body has been important as she navigates these changes.
One area where we’ve agreed to disagree is makeup. While I wasn’t initially thrilled about her using mascara and blush, I’ve chosen to pick my battles, and this isn’t one of them. She enjoys wearing it, and I can see how it boosts her confidence. Plus, since she buys her makeup with her own money, I feel comfortable letting her have some fun with it, all while ensuring she maintains a balanced routine.
Navigating the teen years is an adventure of growth and change. With the right tools and support, we’re both adjusting to this transition. These seven must-have essentials have boosted her confidence, kept her organized, and helped her express her unique personality as she enters her teenage years.
As a mom, it’s a privilege to witness her blossoming into her own person, and while there are certainly challenges, it’s rewarding to see her thrive. I hope these Must-Have Essentials offer a helpful guide to other parents embarking on this same journey. Here’s to celebrating our teens’ individuality and supporting them as they navigate the path to adulthood with grace and confidence.