Times are changing

My nine-year-olds have started trading in party dresses for hoodies and leggings, and my eldest now loves cult teen brand Brandy Melville. Sleepovers are muscling out playdates, tech is taking over from toys, fashion is replacing the dressing up box and Teen Titans has superseded My Little Pony; of course Netflix is the channel for my eldest.

Tables have turned

I used to long for the time when the kids would sleep in. Now my husband and I are awake before them, and at weekends I’m itching to get them up.

Gone are the days when they opened their eyes and immediately demanded breakfast. Now on Saturdays and Sundays I’m chivvying them to come downstairs so that breakfast doesn’t turn into brunch and the day doesn’t evaporate. They no longer demand a full itinerary and are quite happy to mill about the house of a weekend. I’m more likely to be the one pestering to do something.

One of the ultimate growing up milestones

We’ve recently had one of the biggest signs that times are a changing: my 12-year-old started her periods. She seemed very underwhelmed about the whole thing; something that I considered to be a rather significant milestone. She didn’t want to talk much about it not because she felt embarrassed, it was just she didn’t feel the need. I think I was a bit disappointed that, aside from purchasing the necessaries, she didn’t seem to need me much at all.

What if my eldest doesn’t need me that much any more in general and her younger sisters aren’t that far behind?

Never too old for…

Happily, no one’s too old for playing games, messing about and being a bit silly. Even a nearly teenager still loves settling down and watching a film together as a family. I’m pretty confident that won’t change

The post They’re growing up fast and it’s bittersweet appeared first on The Parent Social.

Books on puberty

I decided to look into a book that covered the basics of puberty and growing up in an accessible, friendly but informative way. I didn’t need anything that went into detail about sex as they’re covering reproduction at school plus I figured it’d be referenced in any book discussing puberty.

After a scout around online, I chose Girls Only! (All About Periods and Growing-Up Stuff) by Victoria Parker. Other reviews were good and I liked the synopsis: “focuses on the practicalities, social and personal implications of starting your period, and the physical and emotional developments in puberty. It tells you what happens and when, what you need to know and how to prepare. It answers all the questions girls are dying to ask, but daren’t, in a clear, friendly way, using real-life examples.”

What it covered

In my daughter’s words it covers the following:

• Taking care of hair, skin and body to keep it healthy
• The changes that happen
• Periods – what to expect and how they relate to how babies are made
• Gives scientific words for parts of the female body
• Body confidence
• How to deal with teasing (and scaremongering) from other children relating to puberty

Verdict

My daughter seemed very reassured by what she’d read. She commented that the book is good because it explains things well without complications and confusion for the reader. For me the tone was just right: informative, but fun. It also had plenty of illustrations. My only criticism is that a bit too much focus is placed on appearance – ugly ducklings turning into beautiful swans.

It’s been a real springboard for opening up discussions. My daughter has brought up quite a few things she’s read with me and wants more details on/to hear my experiences. This is exactly what I wanted.

Girl Guiding – End Period Poverty and Stigma

Eco friendly wet wipes (toilet wipe gel) – these are great for keeping fresh when you’re on your period.

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