{"id":812,"date":"2012-08-15T21:47:14","date_gmt":"2012-08-16T01:47:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/lifeasaconsciousmom\/?p=812"},"modified":"2012-08-16T10:29:42","modified_gmt":"2012-08-16T14:29:42","slug":"supporting-your-child-as-their-body-changes-four-thoughts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/lifeasaconsciousmom\/2012\/08\/15\/supporting-your-child-as-their-body-changes-four-thoughts\/","title":{"rendered":"Supporting Your Child As Their Body Changes- Four Thoughts"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Last night I was teaching my \u2018Journey of a Thousand Women\u2019<\/em> class. It\u2019s based on a book I\u2019ve written entitled \u2018I Am Woman, Fully Empowered\u2019<\/em> and it empowers women to truly embrace being Spirit in a female body, to own all the unique aspects we possess as women. Last night we were reclaiming the power of our menses (period) and I had each student look at their experience around their first menses. The experiences ranged from fear, to confusion, to embarrassment. We talked about how mothers, fathers and even grandparents handled this life changing moment all of which were mostly unsuccessful.<\/p>\n

I’ve noticed that Caidin is starting to go through some changes. In fact, I had written a whole section about it, but realized, I should check with him before I publish it. He was comfortable with me talking about more hair on his legs, but that was about it and I respect that.<\/p>\n

How we handle these moments is really important. We may have a degree of pride or excitement that our child is growing-up; or we may feel fear that we are losing our baby but whichever our feelings, it\u2019s our kids that we need to be focused on. Making a big deal of this moment, for them, may actually be embarrassing. They don\u2019t need Aunt Mary knowing that they now have to use deodorant, or that you bought your daughter her first training bra, any more than you\u2019d appreciate your child using your tampon buying as his next show and tell topic.<\/p>\n

We have to see our children as conscious beings and respect that the changes they are experiencing are theirs. We should follow their lead in how they want to have this experience and who they want to share it with.<\/p>\n

Many women want to celebrate their daughter’s first period and where I agree that this is a moment to celebrate and not dread, hide or fear, if you don\u2019t have that kind of relationship with your daughter, and menstruation is not something that YOU celebrate, she\u2019s probably going to feel pretty awkward about putting her own menses in the center of attention.<\/p>\n

Here are a few thoughts on handling your child\u2019s puberty.<\/p>\n

Talk Now<\/strong> \u2013 don\u2019t wait until your child is going through puberty to talk about the changes their body will go through. Make it a habit to talk about these things without embarrassment. Whether you bring it up or child asks a question about your body or their own, answer questions and discuss openly.<\/p>\n

Be Supportive<\/strong> \u2013 when changes start to happen, be supportive. Don\u2019t behave in some out of the ordinary way, hooting and whooping that your child is growing up, and by all means, don\u2019t call grandma and say \u2018Bobby\u2019s got hair growing on his chest.\u2019 \u00a0This is their body and their experience and it should be respected and honored. Share the information you have, tell them what they want to know and ask them if you can support them in any way.<\/p>\n

First Periods \u2013 <\/strong>Follow your daughter\u2019s lead. Tell her that this is a moment to celebrate and honor, but let her decide how she wants to do that. Give her some options, but don\u2019t plan a big \u2018you got your first period\u2019 celebration and spring it on her. Your desire to honor this moment might end up being humiliating instead.<\/p>\n

Honor and Respect<\/strong> \u2013 Most importantly, honor and respect that this is your child\u2019s experience. Don\u2019t be too intrusive, but don\u2019t leave them to deal with these changes on their own. Be willing to buy different products they might need. Let them go to the store with you and discuss the options of what\u2019s available.<\/p>\n

In short, be present, be available and be conscious. Teach your child to honor their body and demonstrate that you respect them by the way you handle these very important life moments.<\/p>\n

\u00a9 2012 Christine Agro<\/p>\n

Want a FREE Reading? Special limited time competwition (ends Saturday 8\/18\/2012 at midnight). Christine is giving away two free 30 minute readings where she will help you gain deeper insight into who your child is, what their life lessons are and how these lessons show up in their lives. This is not about telling their future, but rather about giving you invaluable information that will help you parent consciously whether your pregnant or you child is 25. To enter please visit\u00a0Competwition<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Have friends who will benefit from this information? Use the handy share options provided at the top of the article . You\u2019ll find Facebook, Twitter, Google +1, Email or click the \u2018share\u2019 for many, many other options.<\/p>\n

Remember, join me at\u00a0The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide<\/a>\u00a0for more insight, guidance and to connect with a growing group of conscious parents.<\/p>\n

Have questions about your child or need support? Christine offers\u00a0private readings<\/a>\u00a0as well as on-line support at\u00a0The Consicous Mom\u2019s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n

Christine Agro is a Clairvoyant, Naturopath, Master Herbalist, Conscious Mom and Author of 50 Ways to Live Life Consciously as well as of The Conscious Living Wisdom Cards (Special Moms\u2019 Edition). Christine is founder of The Conscious Mom\u2019s Guide , a membership site where she helps support you on your own journey of living life consciously and on your journey of being a Conscious parent. You can also join Christine on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>. To contact Christine, invite her to speak or to schedule an appointment with her please\u00a0email<\/a>\u00a0her.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last night I was teaching my \u2018Journey of a Thousand Women\u2019 class. It\u2019s based on a book I\u2019ve written entitled \u2018I Am Woman, Fully Empowered\u2019 and it empowers women to truly embrace being Spirit in a female body, to own all the unique aspects we possess as women. 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