Puberty is Fun! Right?!!

Frances has started her new health class at school. They switch some of their electives every 9 weeks, so it's her turn to learn about health. Of course, when you're in Middle School, health class turns into mostly puberty class. She's been talking about it a lot at home, but also telling me she's embarrassed. She sure talks a lot for someone who is embarrassed!

Truthfully, though, I'm glad she's talking about it. I don't want her to think that puberty is some strange, scary thing that's going to happen to her all of a sudden. We've talked about stuff at home before, but she's been less than interested when the dialogue comes from me. Moms of tweens can relate, I'm sure!

Maybe she thinks it's too strange to talk about it with me. Maybe she is in the beginning stages of not wanting to take my word for things any more. I just know that when other people back up my lessons, we all benefit.

One of her assignments for this class was to ask me some questions about puberty. She carefully waited until the boys were occupied in the bathtub and then got out her paper. I read the instructions and then pointed out the part that said she was supposed to ask me the questions and not just give me the paper. LOL! These teachers must have taught tweens before!

The first question she asked me was about the benefits of puberty. That answer took a long time. I mean, it's nothing to dread or be scared of, but I can't say that I've ever been excited about my menstrual cycle or random hair growth! Maybe if I think hard enough I'm thankful that those cycles are what allow me to have children, but she's not ready to really be excited about that, is she??

I did share the "First Moon Party" video with her. She thinks it's hysterical and now she goes around asking if we have any Rubylicious nail polish! Of course it's all fun and games until I ask if she wants her own First Moon Party!!

The other thing we talked about was being prepared. I felt a bit smug with this one because I had already given her a bag of panty liners and pads at the beginning of the year. She told me her teachers had given everyone one too. Then she dropped the bomb: "Mommy, they also said we shouldn't carry it in a see through bag." 

I guess that makes sense. Apparently, she's already flashed her bag of goodies to her classroom on accident. It wasn't terrible, but she'd rather not do it again. I decided to make her a pouch to keep her things in.

I dug through many pieces of fabric until I found one that looked big enough for the design I had in mind. It's a pretty purple calico I've had since I was a kid. I think I remember using pieces of it for doll blankets a long time ago, but there was enough left to make two pouches. I even got to sew my first (and second) button holes. It took a lot of trial and error to get the automatic setting figured out, but once I got the hang of it I could have sewn button holes all night!

Frances loves her pouch, and she took the second one to school to give to a friend. I'm glad they're talking about this in a way that she'll actually listen. I think she's as prepared as she can possibly be for "the big day" whenever that may be. And hopefully she's prepared to help out a friend if need be.

Just another reminder that my baby is growing up!

I'm linking up today with Lisa's One Word Challenge. The word choices were maybe, pieces, and strange. This week I fit them all in!  Did you find them?