Celebrate Being a Woman! Becoming the woman God created you to be!
What is a woman?
Loves God Respects God Obeys God Is different than a man Is mature Has a special love from God Was made by God “You are the one who created my innermost parts; you knit me together while I was still in my mother’s womb” Psalms 139:13
What is the difference between a woman and a girl? • A woman has gone through changes in her body • A woman has begun to mature both physically and mentally • A woman has gone through puberty
When will this happen? • It will happen to everyone • It will happen at a different time for everyone • It could start as early as 8 • It could start as late as 14
What will happen? • Grow taller quickly • Develop pubic and underarm hair • Develop body odor – You’ll need to wear deodorant!
• Get pimples – This doesn’t only happen on your face!
• Notice your voice slowly changing into a grown-up voice • Your body shape will start to change
What is puberty? • Puberty is between childhood and adulthood • Puberty marks the beginning of becoming a woman • During puberty, bodies begin to mature – Your body will start to look more like my body
• • • •
Breasts will develop Menstruation will start Body hair will appear Adolescence begins – Emotional changes
What will happen first? • You’ll develop breast “buds” – Your nipples will “pop” out – Your breasts will begin to grow – They may grow at different speeds.
• Shortly after, you’ll start to grow pubic hair
What is menstruation? • God’s way of getting your body ready to become a mother someday • Happens every month • Is a month long cycle • You’ll see it for only 5 to 7 days per month
What will I see? • You’ll notice “spotting” at first – Small amount of blood on your underwear
• The spotting will get heavier, but won’t be too heavy • This will get heavier in the middle, then lighter at the end • This will repeat every month
Will it hurt? • NO!!! • The bleeding does not hurt at all, in fact, you probably won’t feel it! • You may feel cramping before, during, or after your menstruation, but the bleeding will not hurt.
What does it look like?
Do my friends know about this? • Some of your friends might know already, but some may not – It’s best to keep this quiet for now – Puberty is private
• Your friends might call menstruation something else – – – – –
Period “rag” “Aunt Flow” “That time of the month” “My friend”
What do I do about this? • Be prepared before you start menstruation – Know how to use a “pad” or “sanitary napkin”
• Change your pad regularly – At least every 4 hours, but sooner if you need to – Change your pad if it is full or if it starts to smell
• Throw used pads away – Wrap your pad in toiled paper and throw it away – Most public bathrooms have a special trash can in the stall – NEVER flush your pad down the toilet
What does a pad look like and how do I use it?? • The pad has a “sticker” on the bottom • Stick the pad on your underwear
What if I don’t look like everyone else? • That’s completely normal • Breasts and hips come in many different sizes • Some girls voices will get lower than others • It’s ok to be the only one who started puberty OR to be the only one who didn’t!
Am I normal? • YES! – This happens to every girl – It’s ok to go through puberty at a different time than your friends – It’s ok to be confused – It’s ok to ask questions to an adult you trust – It’s ok to have questions or to ask us for help
Things to remember during this journey • We were once your age – We’ve been through puberty, too! – We’ve felt the way you feel now – We may even have some funny or helpful stories if you ask!
• God knows you and loves you better than anyone else – He will listen to you when you feel like no one understands – He loves you no matter what – He understands how you feel before you even feel it!
What promises does God have for me? • “I am the Lord your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13 • “Guard yourself in your spirit” Malachi 2:15 • “Your beauty should not come from outward adornment… Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” 1 Peter 3:3-4 • “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” Philippians 4:7 • “Be wise, and keep your heart on the right path.” Proverbs 23:19 • “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall.” Psalm 55:22
What God says • “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:14 • “The Lord says ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.” Jeremiah 1:5
How might my friends handle the changes in their bodies? • Some girls will start to dress differently – Clothes that show off their new curves – Clothes that are made for girls much older than them – Clothes that do not honor God
• Some girls will start to act differently
How should you act? • Act the way we’ve always taught you to act • God made your body and it is made to worship Him • Dress your body in a way that honors God • Act in a way that honors God • God will be with you to help you even when you are tempted to act like the girls who are not honoring God with their decisions
Do you have any questions? • If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us now or privately. • We’ve put together a “celebrating your womanhood” goodie bag to put in your backpack for when you start your menstrual cycle