Suffice to say that I was FREAKING out. I paced my bedroom for hours. Finally, I called my mom and showed her my underwear. The conversation was not heartwarming. She said, "let me get you maxi pads, do you know how to use them?" I was then told to not tell my brother. I just remember feeling this is something shameful, not a celebration into womanhood.
I sent reiki to my 12 year old's heart.
The above will never happen with my girls. I have open and honest communication with them. They will never be afraid of coming to me and sharing any information about their body -- I am their teacher and guide. We will most certainly be celebrating their first menstrual cycle with a period party!!!! I imagine afternoon tea at a fancy schmany place...
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Fast forward to age 16, full of anxiety, unable to clearly communicate, and lacked such confidence. I don't think it's random that I wanted to focus on age 16 after spending the previous night on age 12. All of this is linked.
The ultimate result is that I just feel like a more mindful parent. All of these experiences were in my past, but it's not who I am today. Today I am strong, confident and communicate openly and freely. I will raise strong women.