Let’s get right to it: yesterday, I taught my 7-and-a-half-year-old daughter how to use a tampon. You might be surprised, or even a bit taken aback. But hang on—I promise there’s a solid reason behind this choice.
Growing up, I never had the chance to see my own mother in her natural state. I missed out on witnessing the beauty of her body, the way it changed through motherhood and life. Instead, I was bombarded with unrealistic portrayals of women in the media—those perfectly sculpted figures that are far from the norm. This skewed my understanding of what real bodies look like, and I want something different for my daughter.
I believe it’s crucial for her to see that the most important woman in her life embraces every part of her body—the curves, the dimples, and yes, even those little imperfections. I want her to grow up celebrating her own unique beauty, rather than comparing herself to an unrealistic standard.
So, around our home, we maintain an open attitude toward nudity. We’re not nudists, mind you, but I don’t shy away from being seen, whether I’m coming out of the shower or getting dressed. If she walks in when I’m in the bathroom, that’s just part of life.
Yesterday, she caught me mid-change and asked, “Mama, what are you doing?” When I told her I was changing my tampon, she already knew what that meant. We’d had discussions before about womanhood, and she even teased me about needing tampons during a grocery run. Smart kid!
When she asked if I could show her how to use one, I hesitated at first. But why not? I’ve taught her about wiping, blowing her nose, and other essential skills—why should menstruation be any different? I recalled my own experience, learning in secret because my mother thought I was too young. I had to figure it out alone, and it was uncomfortable. I want to spare my daughter from that awkwardness.
So, I patiently walked her through the process. I showed her how to open the package, prep the applicator, and explained it was all normal. I know some might think I should have waited, but the truth is, keeping menstruation a mystery only adds unnecessary stigma. It’s a part of life, and it’s time we talked about it openly.
This experience was about more than just the mechanics; it was a moment of connection, where she learned from me—the most significant woman in her life—about something that is entirely natural. If you’re interested in more insights about parenting and related topics, check out this post on Cervical Insemination. And if you’re looking for at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers reputable products. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource from Cleveland Clinic.
In summary, teaching my daughter about tampons was about fostering a sense of normalcy around womanhood. It’s vital for her to understand her body and embrace its natural processes without shame or confusion.
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