Bridging the Gap: Essential Conversations About Puberty in the Modern Age

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.

"Don't always listen to what is being flooded over 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