As a young girl navigating puberty without a mother, I vividly recall the confusion and lack of preparation I faced. I started my period unexpectedly at school, which was a shocking experience. While I knew what was happening, I was overwhelmed and anxious, especially since none of my friends had begun their journeys yet.
I remember asking my teacher to go to the nurse, my voice rising in a room full of peers. The nurse was kind and helped me with what I needed, and my father did his best to support me by taking me shopping for supplies and arranging a visit to a gynecologist. Although he was well-intentioned, he wasn’t equipped to handle such situations.
From the moment my daughter was born, I vowed to provide her with comprehensive knowledge and support as she approached puberty. We started with “Amazing You” by Gail Saltz, which was a helpful resource during her early years, despite some awkward moments while reading it.
Recently, I felt it was time to introduce her to more advanced material, so I purchased “The Care and Keeping of You” by Valorie Schaefer, a book that many parents recommend. However, I was unsettled after reading it myself first.
One glaring issue was its assumption that all young girls will naturally develop crushes on boys. While I had early crushes, my daughter isn’t there yet, and I found it uncomfortable that the book seems to suggest she should be. It also neglects to acknowledge the diversity of sexual attraction among children, failing to recognize that some may not experience crushes at all or may have same-sex attractions.
Another concern was how the book addressed body image, implying that all girls will inevitably struggle with body dissatisfaction. As someone who has worked hard to foster body positivity in my daughter, I don’t want her exposed to a narrative that suggests hating her body is normal.
Overall, I found the book to be outdated, heteronormative, and lacking in body positivity. After researching further, I discovered “Celebrate Your Body” by Sonya Renee Taylor, a much better alternative. This book provides comprehensive information without the body shaming or assumptions about heterosexual crushes. It promotes self-care focused on health rather than weight.
“The Care and Keeping of You” reflects the outdated views of our generation, and it’s time to move on to more inclusive and empowering resources for our children. As parents, we should strive to do better and provide materials that help our daughters feel understood and accepted as they navigate their formative years.
If you want to learn more about empowering resources, check out this related post on home insemination here or visit Intracervical Insemination for expert insights. You can also refer to WebMD for excellent information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Possible Search Queries:
- Best puberty books for girls
- Healthy body image resources for kids
- Understanding puberty without shame
- Inclusive puberty education materials
- Alternatives to The Care and Keeping of You
In summary, reconsider giving your child “The Care and Keeping of You.” Instead, opt for more contemporary and inclusive resources that promote body positivity and recognize the diverse experiences of children today.