Puberty doesn't start with periods. Our culture's discomfort around puberty often leads us to wait for conversations about puberty until 12 or 13. But many kids start undergoing the body changes that precede menstruation at much younger ages. And yet, there's very little content in books and media that talk about the intersection of puberty and childhood -- which can begin at ages 8, 9, and 10. Where is the book for the kid that's about to go bra shopping for her first bra during the day but will still be leaving a tooth for the Tooth Fairy at night? Today, we are talking with Megan E. Bryant, the author of ABBY IN BETWEEN. ABBY IN BETWEEN introduces us to Abby, a 9-year-old girl trying to handle all the chaos that can come with growing up -- from shifting family dynamics and changing friendships to new observations about herself and the world around her.
This is an eye-opening discussion where we talk about:
- signs your kid wants to talk about puberty
- how to continue to undo/break down internalized messages that tell us that what happens to the female body is taboo
- how to discuss hygiene-related to physiological changes (i.e. stinky armpits) without making kids feel ashamed
- perspective shift on what 'early' puberty actually means (hint: it's a good sign!)
- how to know when puberty is beginning for your kid
- consent around these conversations, and when going to the pediatrician
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