The Care and Keeping of You: A Guide to Puberty
The Care and Keeping of You is a book written by Valorie Schaefer and illustrated by Denise Brunkus, published in 1994. It is a comprehensive guide to puberty for girls, covering a wide range of topics from physical changes to emotional development.
Why is this book important?
- Open and honest communication: The book tackles sensitive topics in a straightforward and age-appropriate manner, encouraging open communication between girls and their parents or guardians.
- Accurate information: It provides reliable and factual information about puberty, dispelling myths and misconceptions that can sometimes lead to anxiety and confusion.
- Positive self-image: The book emphasizes the normalcy of puberty and the beauty of growing into womanhood, promoting a positive body image and self-esteem.
- Empowering girls: It empowers girls with knowledge and understanding, helping them navigate the physical and emotional changes of puberty with confidence.
What does the book cover?
The book is divided into four main sections:
1. Your Changing Body:
- The Start of Puberty: Discusses the onset of puberty, including the first signs and the timeline for different girls.
- Breast Development: Explains the changes that occur in breasts, including breast buds and the eventual development of mature breasts.
- Your Periods: Covers menstruation, including how the menstrual cycle works, how to manage periods, and how to deal with cramps.
- Other Changes: Discusses other physical changes, such as pubic hair growth, body odor, and vaginal discharge.
2. Feeling Good About Yourself:
- Self-Esteem and Body Image: Addresses the importance of self-love and acceptance during puberty, particularly in relation to body image concerns.
- Dealing with Emotions: Explores the emotional rollercoaster of puberty, including mood swings, stress, and anxiety.
- Making Friends and Relationships: Covers social interactions, friendships, and healthy relationships during adolescence.
- Communicating with Adults: Provides tips for talking to parents, teachers, and other adults about puberty and other concerns.
3. Your Health:
- Nutrition and Exercise: Emphasizes the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise for overall health and well-being.
- Hygiene: Covers personal hygiene practices, particularly during puberty, to ensure proper sanitation and prevent infections.
- Sexual Health: Discusses safe sex, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and how to make responsible choices.
- Staying Healthy: Encourages girls to take care of their physical and mental health by prioritizing sleep, stress management, and regular checkups.
4. Growing Up:
- Making Decisions: Provides guidance on making responsible decisions, including decisions about sex, drugs, and alcohol.
- Taking Charge of Your Life: Encourages girls to be responsible for their own lives and decisions, taking steps to achieve their goals.
- Reaching Out for Help: Explores the importance of seeking help from trusted adults, including parents, teachers, or counselors, when facing challenges.
The Care and Keeping of You has been a valuable resource for girls and their families for decades. Its clear and relatable language, combined with its comprehensive coverage of puberty, makes it a must-read for young girls embarking on this important stage of life.
