Create With Mom: Talking About Body Changes and Being There For Our Daughters

Puberty is a time period that is full of emotions for both girls and boys. This is the time when the body changes drastically and coping with it is different for everyone, but being aware about the changes and learning to cope with it is important. Having healthy conversations with our children and keeping resources that we agree with, are important so our children don't feel lost or embarrassed. This is also the time when a child's self-esteem can get hurt, as a parent we need to have the proper resources and be there for them.

My little girl is growing, so it is time for me to have some important conversations about puberty to start her off in the direction that I believe in. This book Girl to Girl by Sarah O'Leary Burningham is a resourceful book to have for children age 8 to 12, as it gives advice and information that is important to know about changing body, caring for the skin, healthy habits and more. During this emotional time, these topics can make children feel uncomfortable, and they may become reluctant to ask questions; so having these types of books as resources will make our children feel comfortable to know that it happens to everyone and makes them ask questions directly from us, the parents.

Some tips from this book...

Washing the face too much, too rough and using body soap can be harmful; instead use gentle, soap-free liquid cleanser that says "noncomedogenic" so it does not block pores.
If you have pimples, wash pimples with acne cleansers that have a little bit of benzoyl peroxide cautiously, and apply lotion that says noncomedogenic. Don't pick your skin, and see a dermatologist to get what is best for the different types of skin.

I made this soothing Oatmeal Face Mask recipe from this book.

1/2 cup oatmeal ground

1/2 cup plain yogurt

2 tbsp honey

Combine all the ingredients to make a smooth thick paste. Pat the mixture onto the face, avoiding the eyes. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes until it gets cakey and dry.

Use a damp washcloth, wipe the mask off and rinse over the sink to get the last pieces off.

If you make more of this mixture then leave the rest in the fridge. It stays well for a few days, if it is kept in a container.

Topics that are in the book...

Body basics such as about body glands a natural way our body cools off, and using deodorant instead of antiperspirants.
How to wear, size a bra and more about this topic.
The importance of smiling, as the brain takes cues from our facial expressions.
The book also talks about brushing, flossing, wearing eyeglasses, contacts, piercing, using ear buds to listen to music, hair care, nail, foot care and more.
Lots of explanations about why menstruation happens, signs before it, what to do when it comes, how to handle the situation if it comes at school, washing blood stains with cold water rather than hot water, what to do when in pain, avoiding salty and sweet foods and more.
Eating healthy, eating disorders, exercise, getting enough sleep.
Dealing with emotions, confidence, avoid comparing to others and the importance of being the best you can be!

I like that the author reiterates the importance of first talking to the parents, since every family and culture has different way of handling situations. I found the storybook Cycling to Grandma resourceful to start talking about how people celebrate menstruation in different cultures and countries. If you have a daughter, then this book Girl to Girl that has honest talk about growing up and the changing body which a good resource to have.