It's Never Too Early, Or Too Late

I can’t remember if my parents gifted me with The Caring and Keeping of YOU before or after I got my period. I can’t remember if we ever talked about the book or if they allowed my curiosity to be answered through the pages of the book alone. But, I had questions and the answers were right there in those pages. My parents gave it to me so I knew it must be okay to wonder why my body was changing.

I was 9 years old when I got my period. 16 when I lost my virginity. And about 23 when I realized it’s never too early to teach our children about the science, beauty, and inherent complexities of their bodies. It’s never too early to ingrain respect and consent into the rubric of human interaction- both platonic and deeply intimate. Now, at 26, I’m reminded that it’s never too late to revisit and reconnect with our bodies either.
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I’m offering a book list to ignite your curiosity and challenge you to ask questions. The list is intentional in the variety of information it covers as I’d encourage you to be in the knowledge you seek. It is proactive in emphasizing the importance of eliminating lingering conversations about our bodies and their range of function. It aims to be a preventative call to action. A vision of how normal it can be to talk sex with your child, know what pregnancy is all about before conceiving, and nurture your child in public without gawking or judgmental eyes. Imagine that!