Hey, Girlies! If you've already gotten your FEB/MARCH GL, hopefully you checked out the article on Kicking PMS to the Curb. Even I learned a lot (says the girl who mysteriously wants to break up with her BF a few days before every period!)
As promised, here's our monthly (get it? he he) blog on periods and puberty! I've added a few comments (even a quiz) from other GL Girls to get the convo rolling. And please let us know what questions you'd like answered in future issues and blogs, babe!
xoxo,
jessica b
PUBERTY QUIZ: From Alicia
Answer me gurlies. I’ve just been feelin self-conscious recently…and I wanna know I’m not alone!!!
1) If you have your period, how old we're you when you got it?
2) Are guys at your school (or wherever) nice about it, or do they
think it's funny, weird, gross, whatevs?
3) What's your most embarassing period story?
4) How old we’re you when you started wearin a bra? 11
5) What size of bra do u wear? 34B
6) What’s the worst thing about puberty?
7) Do you shave?
My Answers:
1) almost 13
2) They never mention girl's havin a period. Praise the Lord!
3) Telling my Mom I got my period.
4) 11
5) 34B
6) PERIODS! THEY SUCK!
7) Yeppers and it’s annoying.
HEALTH CLASS HORRORS: By Kenzie
I need help! We’re doing health in PE, and the PE teacher is a guy, and we’re not broken up by gender. And by health, I mean puberty and sex ed. The guys seem fine, but all the girls are REALLY uncomfortable, including myself. Like, when we were talking about girls body development, I automatically shrank up to sort of “protect” my body (I’m pretty curvy-in a good way), and I couldn’t look up, but I could practically feel the guys eyes on me and the other girls. How do I deal with this for the next three weeks! Today was only the first day! Plus, my assigned seat is right up front next to the guys half (He put them on one half of the class and the girls on the other). I really don’t feel comfortable in this situation, but I’m in a K8 and lack of budget means lack of middle school teachers, and none of the female teachers have a free enough schedule to teach Health. Someone help me please!
Response from Jessica B:
Hey, Kenzie! That kinda stinks, huh? I'll be honest, I went to an all-girls high school, so I never had to deal with this! Another girl recently told me that, not only is her health class (where they watch "the" movie) co-ed, but the teachers make the students sit boy/girl/boy girl. (Talk about adding insult to injury.)
I strongly believe in the importance of health education, because young people have a right to understand their changing bodies, and deserve an honest and responsible explanation of human sexuality (including both the risks and, when you're old enough, the rewards.) I wish schools would also address the psychological and emotional impact sex can have young people (actually, older ones too) but that's not so common.
What concerns me most is that boys and girls should feel comfortable during these classes, so they can really learn something and ask whatever questions come to mind. If you think the co-ed classes make that difficult (and, hey, even if the guys act cool, they may feel weird, too) I can only suggest getting your parents to discus this with the principal, health teachers, PTA, school board or whoever they feel will be the most approachable and supportive of your cause. It may not make a difference for you this year, but you'll be making a difference in the lives of the kids who come after you.
~xojb~
MINI BOD SQUAD. Hit the boards to share your tips and traumas, girlies!
BY JESSICA ON 1/19/2007 10:27:30 PM 11218 COMMENTS