Dear PBG,
My daughter is 7 years old and has recently started developing breasts. I know that this means puberty is around the corner. We have pretty open and honest communication about her body but I dont know how to explain her cycle to her. I really thought I had more time. Well I dont, so help me, PBG. How did you explain it to your daughter?
Dear Mommy,
WHEW!! Only 7 years old and already getting her lil' boobies?? Oh what a beautiful burden womanhood can be! Why won't puberty just let these children have their fun???
Anyways, it's happening and you have to be ready for it. I'm going to tell you the key to this process being as natural as what's happening to your daughter's body: Make sure that it isn't a one-time "talk". The physical maturation process that our children go through is an on-going occurence, so the conversations concerning it also should be on-going. And the things you talk about with your daughter should mature as she grows as well. You won't need to start out talking to her about STD's and condoms (that will come later), but you will need to tell her about hormones and the ways they will change her body. Tell her how and why these things go on and emphasize the beautiful and wonderful parts of being a girl. As she continues to develop, cater your conversations to her growing needs as a young girl moving into being a young woman. Talk about emotions and relationships with friends, as well as menstruation, basic hygiene and what's going on with her hair and skin. All these encompass the vast changes she will go through over the next several years.
This book right here helped us out tremendously and I recommend it to everybody:
Click the pic to buy the book on Amazon.com
I bought this book for my daughter when she was about 9 and started growing out in addition to growing up. It has been an invaluable resource as it provides answers for all sorts of questions, from hair to pimples to periods in language that young people can understand. It was a good tool for dialogue and encouraged a free and open exchange about what was going on. So much so that when Tee finally DID get her period at age 12, she didn't even tell me because "Mommy, it's only a period, not a big deal. I didn't need any help because I knew what to do myself". Well, excuse me!
Above all else, CHILL! If your daughter feels any anxiety from you, she will be nervous as well. Let both your words and your attitude toward it all reflect that it is simply a part of life and what makes being a girl so very special.
In this and all things, I wish you love, light & clarity.
~pbg
Do you have an issue, question or query you'd like to have addressed here on "Hey, You Asked"? Feel free to email any and all issues to askthepbg@gmail.com and I will do my best to impart my real woman's perspective upon your situation and hopefully show you the way!
