Dear Wendi: I’m only 10 and I’m about to get a bra. I’m already developing body hairs! My friends make fun of me. My mom thinks it’s great. I`m scared to change in a locker room. There’s only one friend I can tell because she’s getting this stuff, too. Please help!
Too Early
Dear Too Early: You may not feel ready for these changes, but your body is. Girls develop at really different rates. Since you’re developing faster than your friends, I bet they’re sorta freaked, wondering if something is wrong with them. So it’s easier for them to pretend that nope, it’s you. (But really, you’re all fine, fine, fine!) I know, locker rooms can be the worst, because you can’t help but compare, right? (I was flat for what seemed like forever, and that’s no party either!) You really do need to talk about this stuff – not like it’s some big shameful thing but like it’s all totally natural but a little scary. It’s great you have a friend to talk to. And does it seem way too embarrassing to talk to your mom? She sounds pretty hip, and whatever you’re going through, she’s already been there. Also, other girls are gonna start catching up really soon, and you won’t feel so alone. Promise.
Dear Wendi: I’m in a class with four girls. In social studies there are partners for projects. Two of the girls are best friends and always work together. That leaves the other girl and me. I always end up doing everything because all she can think about is her social life. We both get the same grade, so she passes with my work. Please help.
Lonely
Dear Lonely: This situation stinks – and it happens a lot in life! (Ever hear your parents complain about doing all the work at their job while a co-worker gets the credit?) The thing is, you want to get the best grade you can, right? So don’t blow off the work like your lazy partner does, or it’ll hurt you, too. And your partner really is hurting herself, cuz she’s not learning the stuff she’s supposed to. I’m sure you do individual assignments, so your teacher can figure out who knows stuff and who doesn’t have a clue. Basically, it’s gonna catch up with your lazy partner – someday she’s gonna need that knowledge and you’re not gonna be around to help her out! (Isn’t that a HUGELY satisfying thought?)
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