That Time of the Month: A Girl's Guide to Starting Your Period
on Goodreads (2)
What’s inside...
A comprehensive and empathetic guide that aims to demystify menstruation and make it a less intimidating experience for young girls. This friendly and reassuring book follows the story of Samira as she learns all about periods from her family. It explains why girls have them, what happens in the body to make periods, and what the first signs of getting a period are. The book aims to ease worries and provide reassurance that periods are a healthy part of growing up.
Age
7-9
Length
192 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did you feel reading about the changes that happen during puberty?
What are some ways the book suggests to manage any discomfort or new feelings you might experience?
Were there any parts of the book that surprised you or that you had questions about?
How can you prepare yourself for these changes both physically and emotionally?
Who are trusted adults or friends you feel comfortable talking to about puberty?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create an open and non-judgmental atmosphere where your child feels safe to express their feelings and ask questions.
Share your own experiences related to the topic to make them feel more understood and less alone.
Encourage your child to list any questions they may have before and after reading the book to facilitate a deeper conversation.
Reiterate that it's perfectly normal and natural for these changes to happen, and assure them of their ability to handle this new phase with confidence.
Provide additional resources like websites, videos, or other books that can offer more information and support.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding physical changes
Explanation: The book guides young girls through the biological and physical changes that accompany menstruation, using accessible and age-appropriate language.
Real-World Application: Equipped with this knowledge, girls can better understand and manage their own bodily changes, promoting a healthier self-image and confidence.
Example Lesson: Preparedness and hygiene
Explanation: It educates on the importance of hygiene and preparedness when dealing with periods, offering practical tips on managing menstrual health.
Real-World Application: Girls can apply these practical tips to maintain personal hygiene and feel prepared, reducing anxiety around the start of their menstrual cycle.
Example Lesson: Empathy and support
Explanation: The book fosters a sense of empathy by encouraging conversations around menstruation, aiming to destigmatize this natural process.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages open dialogue about periods within peer groups and families, promoting a supportive environment for girls experiencing these changes.
Example Lesson: Body positivity
Explanation: It emphasizes the normalcy and positivity of menstruation, counteracting common societal myths and misconceptions.
Real-World Application: Girls can foster a positive attitude towards their bodies, which is essential for mental and emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: Seeking Reliable Information
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of seeking accurate and reliable information about health and puberty.
Real-World Application: This prepares children to critically assess information sources in their lives, ensuring they make informed decisions about their health and well-being.