Questions Parents
​Often Ask

I am often asked questions about the story of CELEBRATING ME - its suitability and so on. Here I try to answer some of the more common questions parents and caregivers often ask.​ Please feel free email me any questions you may have about CELEBRATING ME  and share any of your own suggestions or experiences of what 'worked' for you. 
Q. I'm just not sure I can do this!! HELP!

A. It is often quite daunting, to think about talking with your child about seemingly adult topics. As parents/guardians, try and make the discussions with your children about puberty and their general development an ongoing process, and not just ONE TALK. If this is something you do from early childhood, it can be less daunting when they reach puberty. Keep looking for different ways to engage your child. CELEBRATING ME is a very useful book to share with your children, both before and after they have started seeing their period. As a story book, it presents the start of menstruation from the perspective of the main characters, who are all 10 years old.

You may want to read CELEBRATING ME before giving it to your child to read. But you also want to be prepared for some questions – and they will come! If you feel out of your depth, ask your medical practitioner or community or school nurse to give some suggestions.

 Here are a few websites that you might also find helpful.

Q. Is this story suitable for my 8 year old daughter?

A. Yes, CELEBRATING ME is suitable for children 8-13 years of age. However, I always tell parents and caregivers to be aware of their child's personal development. Some children are more mature at 6 and 7 and may be perfectly fine with the content, and there may 10 or 11 year olds that might feel squeamish. Feel free to have a look at the text and the illustrations and you be the judge for your child

Q. Is this book suitable for boys?

A. Yes. The information is very useful for boys as well as girls. Boys also need to know and understand what is happening in a girl’s body, just as they need to know and understand what is happening in a boy’s body as they mature. Some parents don’t mind sharing and talking with their sons about puberty, and this story will be a useful jumping off point for that discussion. I know some parents see it as a “girls” book because of the image on the front cover, and while it IS written with the girls in mind, I encourage parents and caregivers to share with their boys as well. The hope is the more informed our children are, the better they can make decisions in life

Q. I know my child needs this information, but I am not comfortable. Suppose s/he asks me questions?  What should I do?

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Q My child absolutely does NOT want to talk about issues of puberty! But she needs to know more. Will this book help?

A. Yes. Many children feel awkward, or squeamish hearing or talking about puberty. Then there are others who are totally fine with it and don't see what the bid deal is! Everyone is different, with varying amounts of information, personalities, support etc. I suggest making the book easily accessible, but don't pressure them to read it. Perhaps leave it in their bedroom or somewhere they feel a bit more private. Try not to be too obvious like leaving it on their pillow! That screams "Mom or Dad want me to read this!" - and then they won't! Again, know your child, get a sense of their readiness, find out if puberty is being discussed at school etc. You may also want to give them a synopsis of the story and how uncomfortable Tina was in telling her friends. Find an opening and take it one step at a time