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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2009 > June > 04 > Entry
School program just first gross-out of many
Last week, my son attended a school program that he told me was “gross” and “disgusting.”
What was the topic?
Puberty.
It seems, from talking to other moms, that my son was among many fourth-graders in the Miami Valley this spring to be introduced (or at least reminded) of the many wonderful things that their bodies have in store for them.
Looking back, I thought I had my initial, school-sanctioned embarrassment in fifth or sixth grade, but I e-mailed my best friend from elementary school and she said it was, in fact, in fourth grade.
She also reminded me that we got in trouble for making the boys look up the word “menstruation.”
Maybe I blocked out that year.
But I do recall at least one thing from the discussion — they taught us about feminine products that had belts. And, no, I am not that old.
I hope that my son’s talk was at least up-to-date, but then again, what would have changed for boys?
At any rate, I was a little surprised by my son’s distasteful reaction to his health talk, since the information shouldn’t have been completely foreign to him.
Not only do his dad and I talk to him about related issues, but late last year I bought him and his little brother a copy of “What’s Happening to Me?” — that cute little cartoon-filled book that talks about human development in appropriate, yet kid-friendly, terms.
However, now that I think of it, I do recall the 8-year-old asking far more questions about the topic than his 10-year-old brother.
So I figure either the older one didn’t look at that book at all, or was just shocked at having to endure the intensely personal information, as we all did, while sitting next to his friends.
That is, his friends who are boys. I can’t imagine the embarrassment that would have ensued if there were girls in the room.
Of course, the girls had their own distinct film to watch. And, according to a friend of mine who has a fourth-grade daughter at the school, it seems to have produced similar results.
The girl also told her mom that she didn’t think the boys even had to watch a movie, making it easier to see how the confusion between the sexes starts early.
Like the boys, the girls got a “goodie bag” to take home from their movie. Each of them included booklets that must have synopsized their respective films (possibly for those who had their eyes and ears covered for the duration).
The boys also got a little sample-sized Old Spice deodorant, and the girls got some deodorant and feminine products (thankfully, without belts).
Of note, however, is that the girls’ set of products was called “Your happy package.” I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a more clear-cut case of false advertisement.
Since the film, my son has used his deodorant several times but has not gone near his booklet.
I, however, have read it cover to cover.
Because, even though I am still getting used to my 10-year-old smelling like Old Spice, I guess I have to get ready for the many changes that lie ahead — just like he does.
“Next year,” he said morosely, “we have to see a movie with the girls.”
I can’t wait to hear his thoughts after that one.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Post your comment | Categories: Mother's Daze columns
Comments
By Paulette
June 4, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this
Since I’m a lot older we didn’t get the movie/talk until 7th/8th grade. Yes, I’m from the era of belts! It was in B&W and I had NO IDEA what it was about. I think I probably put it together when I started nursing school 5 yrs later! There was no explanation from the teacher nor “special bags”. Of course my mom’s explanation was “look it up in the encyclopedia.”
By debbie watson
June 4, 2009 2:16 PM | Link to this
I guess I’m older than the rest of you! It was 6th grade for me. I dont think I could make eye contact with anyone the rest of the day. You story made me ROTFLMheadOff. :)
By Lea
June 4, 2009 7:42 AM | Link to this
Mine was definitely 5th grade. I remember being mad because the boys got to go fly kites and we had to sit through it. But I don’t remember sitting through it! Son’s was a couple of weeks ago. I have no idea what effect it had - he didn’t mention it at all!