By Ange Warren
Remember the early days, where we had small kids who kept us busy each and every day, and it was hard to imagine it being any other way?
Then puberty comes along, which can sometimes feel like an overnight transformation of little kid to sassy kid, and a whole new stage of development greets us!
Source Mama Ange, shares her perspective with us.
Puberty.
I feel like the age between 8-11 was the ‘sweet’ spot for my kiddo.
We grew, we were in such a great predictable routine. Learning new daily living skills, regular therapies, reaching goals – they were my favourite years as a mum.
Then 12 hit.
13 just around the corner.
Everything changed. I could see it, literally.
Hello bumpy, angry face. Moods that swung from tree to tree, an appetite that shifted to; carbs, sugar, salt and protein.
Hair growth in every direction like a spring garden. My thoughts: do I tackle underarm hair? Or is that just a social expectation I’ve grown up with? First things first, get a bra on the girl. Ensuring she’s comfortable with that new transition.
Arm hair I need to let go of. Deodorant use is more important right now. Skin care- let’s get that going.. simple is the way to go.. Menstruation will commence soon. What are her options? I’ve been onto this subject since she was 10. Engaging a paediatric gynaecologist- our plan is set and ready to go.
BUT.. the hormones.. the hormones.. for a kid that already struggles to communicate, the behaviours are ten fold. She’s nearly as tall as me now at the age of 12, I need to tread with precision and gentleness.
Everyday is really tough.. and to all the mamas out there in this phase, I see you. I see my GP regularly now, as he’s now my child’s GP- that was an awakening for him. He said and I quote ‘may I say gently, I cant imagine just how difficult and tiresome this life is for you’. It was a breathe of fresh air to be heard, and also I was a little grumpy- as this is our life and I’m always ‘yelling’ to be heard.
Yet great to hear that he wants to work with us to find solutions.
So for all those mummas out there, with their kids hitting puberty.. I see you.. I feel like we’re back in the super rough 2 to 4 year range of major meltdowns, yet now your kids are as tall as us… it’s quite overwhelming.
BUT.. as per every stage.. we can and we WILL do this, in the most educated, gentle way possible.
