In a recent enlightening radio interview on Sakhisizwe, Dr.
Mpumi Zenda, a practicing obstetrician, gynaecologist, and sexologist, shed
light on a critical issue many families face: how to navigate conversations
about puberty in our digital age. Her book, "Mommy, My Body's
Changing," offers a much-needed roadmap for parents and children embarking
on this transformative journey together.
The younger generation are growing up in a vastly different
world than their parents did. With social media at their fingertips, young
people are bombarded with information—much of it inaccurate or harmful. Dr.
Zenda emphasizes a crucial point: when children can't get reliable information
from their parents, they turn to the internet, often with concerning
consequences.
social media because you are going to be sitting like, what is happening?"
Dr. Zenda warns. The result? Misinformation spreads, leaving young people
confused and sometimes making dangerous decisions about their health and
bodies.
Dr. Zenda's motivation for writing this book stems from both
her professional practice and personal experience as a mother. Her company,
"We See You," reflects her commitment to ensuring women and girls
feel heard and supported throughout their lives.
"I wrote the book more from a perspective of being a
mom more than as a doctor," she explains. Her 14-year-old daughter, who
inspired the book's cover, has been her greatest teacher in understanding what
modern girls need.
While many resources focus solely on the physical aspects of
puberty, Dr. Zenda's approach is refreshingly comprehensive. The book
addresses:
Physical Changes: Understanding menstruation, body changes,
and proper hygiene practices
Emotional Wellness: Managing mood swings, self-esteem
issues, and mental health concerns
Practical Life Skills: From choosing the right menstrual
products to maintaining personal safety online
Social Navigation: Dealing with peer pressure, building
healthy relationships, and finding constructive activities
One of the book's standout features is its dual
approach, each chapter contains information for both the child and the parent.
This design acknowledges that many parents feel "stuck" or unprepared
for these conversations, regardless of their educational background.
Dr. Zenda shares a touching example about her own mother, a
retired midwife who, despite having the medical knowledge, struggled with these
conversations due to cultural conditioning. "It's not abnormal for a
parent to feel a little bit offish," she reassures.
The interview highlighted several pressing issues that
modern families face:
Many girls still avoid physical activities during their
periods due to fear of leakage or stigma. Dr. Zenda advocates for education
about various menstrual products pads, tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable
underwear, so girls can make informed choices based on their activities and
comfort levels.
With rising rates of mental health issues and suicide among
teenagers, parents need tools to recognize warning signs and create supportive
environments at home.
As Dr. Zenda humorously notes, households often have mothers
going through menopause while teenagers navigate puberty, a perfect storm of
hormonal changes that requires understanding and patience from everyone
involved.
The book emphasizes building trust and open communication
early, establishing parents as the primary source of reliable information. When
children feel safe asking questions at home, they're less likely to seek
answers from unreliable sources.
Dr. Zenda's approach extends beyond heteronormative
experiences, acknowledging diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. Dr, Zenda discuss how to support
LGBTQ+ youth through puberty, ensuring every child feels seen and supported.
Practical Guidance for Modern Families
For Parents:
Learn alongside your child—you're both navigating new
territory
Monitor for concerning symptoms (periods lasting more than
seven days, excessive bleeding)
Teach proper hygiene and product usage through hands-on
guidance
Create opportunities for ongoing dialogue, not just one-time
conversations
For Educators and Communities:
Recognize that menstrual experiences vary greatly between
individuals
Don't dismiss girls' pain or discomfort during menstruation
Support inclusive education that acknowledges diverse family
structures and identities
Dr. Zenda's work represents a broader movement toward
comprehensive, culturally sensitive puberty education. By involving parents
directly in the learning process and acknowledging the realities of modern
childhood, resources like "Mommy, My Body's Changing" are helping
families build stronger, more open relationships.
The books offers an opportunity for communities to engage with
these important topics. The book promises to be interactive, with diverse answers addressing everything from traditional concerns to contemporary
challenges facing LGBTQ+ youth.
As we navigate raising children in an increasingly complex
world, resources like this remind us that the foundation of healthy development
still comes from open, honest, and supportive family conversations. The key is
ensuring we're equipped with accurate information and the confidence to share
it with compassion.
For more information about Dr. Mpumi Zenda's work, visit her
social media pages @dr.gyne on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, or check the
Exclusive Books website for event details.
Written by: Jasnine Roberts