The way we talk about periods needs to change.
Wonderfully Made. Period. Is a simple story about a little girl named Dottie who reflects on her own experience learning about periods for the first time. She stumbles in on her Mom holding a menstrual cup, asks questions, and they proceed to have a light-hearted and fun conversation about periods. It points to our Creator who made us uniquely, intentionally, and wonderfully, and it pulls periods from a place of doom, gloom, fear, mystery, and dread, and into a place of celebration, awe, and even excitement.
If you've ever been caught redhanded (literally) on the toilet by one of your kids (or dread that moment) this book is for you! It’s written for a younger audience than most puberty-esque books (your 3 or 4 year old will even love it!), but don't worry, there aren't any naked diagrams or mention of pubic hair. It's simply a little intro into the fact that when girls get a little older, they bleed once a month and it's all part of God's beautiful plan.
A recent study found that only 15% of women felt prepared for their first period and 68% look back on it as a negative experience. I think our generation wants to take a different approach, but many of us don’t know how or when to start! This book is a tool for parents in providing a foundation for that first conversation!
You might still find yourself wondering why girls that young even need to know about periods? For me, it comes down to 3 main reasons. First, to set the tone early and to get ahead of the negative narrative our culture has created around periods in hopes they won't remember it any other way. Second, to build closeness, trust, and a safe place to ask questions with our daughters from a young age. And third, teaching them about their bodies is good and it ultimately points back to GOD’s goodness and creativity.