10
GUYANA CHRONICLE Monday, January 28, 2019
Opening up to the cycle of life AS long as the world keeps turning and night becomes day and day, night, girls all over the world will continue to be born, develop and grow into adolescents. Once they become adolescents (age 11-18) or sometimes even before, their bodies will undergo a series of changes to prepare them for motherhood. One of these changes is ‘menstruation,’ commonly known as ‘periods.’ In Guyana, people usually refer to this change in a girl’s body as ‘becoming or turning a young lady;’ and more often than not, grown-ups welcome the occasion with a few mythical stories: giving the girl-child a customary drink of ‘stout,’ or an equally
potent concoction and then rounding off the event with some cautionary tales about boys. All this, having waited for the event to occur. Very rarely do adults let the child know beforehand, what to expect. It was also a tradition in Guyana, up to quite recently, to hand a pre-adolescent girl-child a book entitled ‘…on becoming a woman’ which, from all accounts seems to have been a 1950s guide to what to expect during puberty. Menstruation is a natural part of the cycle of life. Most of the world’s population (99.9%) came from the womb of a healthy woman during her menstruating years. The cycle of life cannot be hidden or swept aside
as if it doesn’t exist. It cannot be changed (though scientists are forever tinkling with it in attempts at modification) oppressed or denied. It is what it is and as adults, we must embrace the elements of life as they are and teach our children the same in an age-appropriate manner. It is always best for parents to be open with children about their bodily functions and to answer any questions children may ask, honestly, so they will know the facts. It is beneficial for children to be in touch with what goes on, on the inside as well as the outside of their bodies and the reasons why. This doesn’t mean that adults should be lecturing fiveyear-olds about their anato-
my, but at least by that age, a child should know that girls have a vagina, boys have a penis and everyone has a bottom: and that these are called private parts and no one should touch them for any reason. If anyone does, they must tell. As children grow older, parents can explain to them how the body grows and develops, preparing them not only for adulthood, but motherhood and fatherhood too. Children change their teeth between 4 – 8 years old and no one has a problem with explaining to a child why this happens. But as children begin to grow taller (9 – 11) and they become more sexually aware of their bodies, many parents find it difficult to relate to their pre-adolescent children. When this is the very time that parents should have a serious conversation with them about what they’re likely to experience as their bodies change during the coming years. Boys will start to produce sperm, girls will begin to
have periods; if you explain these to your children before it happens, they will be ‘clued in’ and know what to expect. Here are some tips on talking to children about reproduction: 1) Remember that sharing relevant information with children empowers them. Education is knowledge. 2) Be well-informed about the facts that you wish to share and share them in an age-appropriate way. 3) Choose the right time and place, when there are no distractions. E.g. television and mobile phones must be switched off. 4) Be prepared to answer questions: in fact, invite questions, so that you can be sure that the child understands what he/she is learning. 5) Draw diagrams to explain how our bodies look and work on the inside if you wish, or use teaching aids such as books or videos. 6) Remember that educating and informing children in a timely manner is part of your parental duty. To maintain good health and a sense of well-being,
children need their parents to teach them the facts of life. It doesn’t have to be done all in one go. Parents can introduce salient points intermittently or tactfully as children grow. (For example, when watching a film together, there may be a situation or area in the movie that can be used as a platform for conversation at a later date). You can devise your own strategy or plan on how you will impart the information; one that works for you. But don’t leave it too late or leave the responsibility solely on schools to teach your child ‘sex education’. Give children information in your own words, at the right time, in your own way to enhance bonding, understanding and respect. If you are concerned about the welfare of a child call the CPA hotline on 227 0979 or email childcaregy@ gmail.com A MESSAGE FROM THE CHILDCARE AND PROTECTION AGENCY, MINISTRY OF SOCIAL PROTECTION
Costumes for Independence Carnival launch By Vanessa Braithwaite LINDENERS on Saturday were treated to a cultural display of colourful, creative and exotic costumes which perfectly accessorised the curvaceous bodies of models, which did not disappoint the large crowd. They danced seductively and revelled to soca music, all in an effort to assure Lindeners that Independence Carnival 2019 will be one of the biggest events of the years. About seven costumes depicting the towns of Guyana were displayed; while Lindeners poured their support behind the beautiful Linden costume which sported lime green, pink and turquoise, all the costumes, including those from Anna Regina and Lethem, were equally eye-catching. Each designer was also introduced as his/her costumes were
modelled, some from Trinidad and Tobago. The costumes were made available by both the Genesis and Pulse Bands. The evening was nothing short of impressive, even as Lindeners and the entire Guyana is getting ready for Mashramani 2019. A carnival costume launch was held in Berbice on Friday and simultaneously, launches were held in the United Kingdom and New York. Following the launches, persons can now purchase the costume of their liking, either online, or at the office in Georgetown. They can also register for the bands and other carnival packages. Coordinator of the event, Kerwin Bollers, is also the brainchild behind the Independence Guyana Carnival, which was held for the first time last year; Bollers said the aim of the costume launch is to showcase the
costumes that will be worn for this year ’s carnival, which will be held under the theme ‘Lost World’. Bollers said carnival is the celebration of Guyana’s independence and should not be a Georgetown event, but a national event; hence, the reason launches are being held regionally. Carnival is a tourism event aimed at bringing persons from across the diaspora back home in May. Bollers noted that the launches are not a means of distraction from the upcoming Mashramani event. There will be a series of events leading up to May 26, Carnival Day. Bollers is also expecting greater support, compared to last year, since many persons now have their misconceptions cleared up and now fully understand what the Guyana Carnival is all about.