‘Girl Talk’ event teaches anatomy, promotes conversation between parents, daughters

JACKSON, Tenn. — Moms and daughters across the Hub City sat down to have a serious conversation in a unique way.

Presented by the UT Extension Extended, young girls from age 9 to 12 sat and learned and talked about their bodies and other uncomfortable conversations with their moms and some help.

“We are playing games, we are doing all the fun things; eating snacks winning prizes but we are saying the names of body parts as well. So we got to mix it in with some fun. We giggle, the girls giggle and we all have a fun time,” said Tennille Sort, extension agent 3 for UT Extension office.

For the next month, young girls and their mom will learn topics that pertains to their body changes, hard conversations, and decision making in a space that was safe and inviting.

“I think the importance of Girl Talk is for girls to learn about the development of their bodies,” said Layla, attendee.

Moms agree that its important they are surrounded by their peers when having this discussion.

“I am enjoying it, I get to see what she knows about her body what all changes are going on, with her body. If she has any questions to know this is a safe space and we can talk about anything,” said Latoya, mom of attendee.

One mom shared its important to have this conversation with another adult so it isn’t just her sharing these things with her daughter. This was also a reflective moment for her.

“Certain topics that we would discuss–it was on vacation, when driving or riding in the car. Other than that, I don’t know if my mom felt uncomfortable but now, since I’m older, of course we talk about all kinds of things. But back in the day, it wasn’t so enlightening like it is now,” said Sheena, mom of attendee.

Wednesday, young ladies learned about puberty and the male and female anatomy.

“It’s just so important to get the conversations going it’s not ‘the talk,’ the talk goes on for a very long time,” said Sheena.

Although these topics can be uncomfortable, all ages are encouraged to learn now before it’s too late.

“I had my daughter come in at a young age because, in this day in time, I feel it is very important that they learn about their body because they’re generation being so grown now. So, it would also help me to learn how to coach her the parts of her body,” said Rachel, mom of attendee.

Girl Talk happens once a year and is dependent on the need from those in the community.

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