
Growing Pains
By Shekeitra Lightbourne

13 Jul, 2024

Lily sat at the kitchen table, her brows furrowed in confusion. Growing up was proving to be a perplexing process.

Her mom, busy with baking, noticed her quietness. 'What's troubling you, sweetheart?' she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.
Painting your imagination...
'Mommy, my body is changing,' Lily confessed, her voice shaking slightly. Her mom nodded, waiting for her to continue.

Lily expressed her concerns about growing taller, getting acne, and other changes she was noticing. Her mom listened patiently.

Her mom reassured her, explaining that these changes were normal and part of growing up. Lily seemed slightly comforted.

'But I don't want to grow up!' Lily exclaimed. Her mom smiled, understanding her fear of the unknown.

Later that night, Lily's mom came into her room with a book. 'This book helped me when I was your age,' she said.

They spent the next hour reading about the changes that happen during puberty, discussing and laughing at the illustrations.

By the time they finished, Lily felt much better. She hugged her mom, thanking her for the book and the talk.

'Growing up is not so scary when I have you, mommy,' Lily said, her eyes shining with newfound courage.
Painting your imagination...
The next morning, Lily seemed more relaxed. She even joked about growing a foot taller overnight.

Her mom laughed, happy to see her daughter's fear of growing up replaced with excitement. Another day, another lesson learned.