Puberty. It’s funny how one word can conjure up so many emotion.
My memories of walking through this stage of life aren’t the greatest. I knew the very basics about what was to come as my body transitioned from little girl to young woman, but looking back, I wish I had been better equipped.
There could have been much less fear and confusion as my body went through so many changes.
There could have been a greater understanding for all that was transpiring in my brain and emotions.
There could have been an opportunity for me to see God’s beautiful design for womanhood.
There could have been more bonding with older women in my life as they held my hand through this season.
God has so wonderfully chosen to make me Mama to four precious little girls. I am thankful for my parents and for my upbringing. I know they were doing their best, and in so many ways, they were blazing new ground as they sought to parent better than they were parented. But this was one area that I wanted to be sure that I did better for my girls. This transition can be so much better than what I experienced. I wanted to behold their Creator and get a front row seat as He transforms their little girl bodies into those of women.
My daughter, Eden, is going on nine years old. Wow, the time goes by so quickly! She isn’t showing any signs at present that puberty is upon us, but we try to parent ahead of the game. I’d rather she learn things a bit early, but from her daddy and I then from her peers. We’ve always been very open with our children, her in particular as she’s been full of questions from day one! Being the oldest, she has also seen me go through several pregnancies and births which brings up a lot of conversations. That said, things like female anatomy, periods, and such are not a new concept to her. But I wanted to make sure I was preparing her well and didn’t leave any gaps.
That’s when I came across the puberty course from Body Talk Basics with Megan Ziegenfus. Eden and I just finished going through it together, and we both have learned a lot! It’s been so sweet for our relationship to make this special. The courses are divided up into 10-15 minute videos, so we often would brew tea, put on a face mask, and watch a video or two together. Girl time was a hit!
Personal Review of Body Talk Basics Puberty Course
What’s Included?
-Over 3 hours of videos
-A book for mom and a book for daughter with guided conversations
-The Puberty Playbook (text of all that was taught in each lesson)
-Period Product Expiermient kit
Things I Enjoyed
Thorough: So many topics are covered, not just getting your period! Megan does a great job of explaining how our bodies and cycles work in a way that is easy to follow and understandable. She even goes into talking about proper nutrition, sleep, skin care, and more as she encourages girls to be healthy and make good choices.
Fun and Engaging: Throughout the course, there are points where Megan encourages you to pause the video and chat together. These are opportunities for mom to share her experience with different aspects of puberty as well as giving your daughter a chance to ask questions. There are also some conversation prompts, some of which are just for fun. It kept the mood light and enjoyable!
Positive Perspective: Megan made puberty sound like such a fun experience—like something to look forward to, not to dread. I appreciated that. Yes, there are a lot of changes to navigate, but it is all part of growing up! That is an exciting thing! I feel like my daughter walked away from this course excited to embrace what lies ahead.
Natural Approach: Several resources are included for making homemade supplies like magnesium spray and pit paste. There is also information on ingredients to avoid in products such as deodorant and skin care. These were good conversation prompts where I could teach my daughter about how different products and ingredients affect our bodies.
Emphasizes the Mother/Daughter Relationship: All throughout the course, Megan directs daughters to their moms. Ask your mom what ____ was like when she was younger? Ask your mom how she felt about ____? Ask your mom what she wished she would’ve known about _____? There are even specific parts of the course where she has you pause the video and have a guided discussion together. I greatly appreciated the emphasis on allowing me as mom to be my daughter’s go-to person.
Things I Wished Were Included
God’s Design: There was no mention of God or His design throughout the course. From a business perspective, I understand why the course was created this way. It makes it available to all audiences. But as a Christian, it could have been so much stronger to support the beautiful design of the female body with “Isn’t God amazing for designing us this way?!” Since this was missing from the course, I chose to use the conversation opportunities provided throughout to bring up our Creator.
Things to Note
I would recommend that moms pre-watch the course videos so that you are prepared for further conversations, and so that you know if there’s anything you want to skip. For example, I skipped the quick video on birth control. (She was not teaching about birth control options, but more to be aware of the side effects since doctors are quick to prescribe that to young women with period problems.) While I agreed with all she said in this video, it’s not information that my daughter needs at this stage.
The term “sexually active” was used twice. While my daughter does know how babies are made, we have not used this term with her yet. If she would have asked, I would have answered, but she didn’t so we moved right along. It was used once when talking about a woman’s cycle and the second time with regard to how the egg can be fertilized during ovulation. She made mention to not worry, a sperm cannot reach the egg unless you are sexually active. (I found this an interesting mention, because I remember being young and wondering if sperm was on a toilet seat, could I get pregnant? Told you I didn’t know much!) The other mention was again referencing having a baby.
The course does not go into “the birds and the bees.” Megan talks about a woman’s cycle and how it works with fertility and conception (mentioning that when a sperm and egg join, a baby is made), but there is no discussion of sex.
Final Thoughts
Eden and I both enjoyed going through the Body Talk Basics course. It was a special bonding time for us allowing us to have deep conversations and lay foundations for more conversations to come in the future as she enters the puberty years. I am thankful for all the work Megan put into creating a course like this. I wish I would’ve been able to go through something like this when I was young.
When I asked my daughter if she thought this course helped her feel more confident to walk through puberty and begin a menstrual cycle, she smiled and said “yes!” We will continue to have chats as I guide her through the coming years, but this course answered so many of her questions, always directing her to ask me for advice, insight, and stories from when I was a girl.
We both enjoyed working through this course together, and we learned a lot!
Find more about the Body Talk Basics course at www.bodytalkbasics.com Use code NHC10 to save 10% off.
