I consider it my job to be a fun squasher. I like to have conversations with my kid that preempt jokes, demystify life's oddities, and suck all the joy out of slang terminology. It started early with our first talk about where babies come from and will continue on and on. She knows the proper words for most everything; she understands the basic mechanics, and as time goes on, I'll fill her in on the details. It's all so that when puberty slaps her across the face, she'll be prepared.

It won't be a big deal because we will have already covered every angle.

The conversations won't stop there, though. It's not like our bodies magically stop changing once we get past that puberty thing. There is the fun of road maps of stretch marks from having a baby, the gray hair that comes in to remind us life is stressful (or maybe it's that genetics stink), breasts have a way of inching their way south, wrinkles make bumps in the road maps of our faces, and then there's that whole thing that comes along and makes puberty seem like a party.

Menopause.

I've (HOPEFULLY!) got a little bit of time before I'll have to deal with the symptoms of menopause, but frankly I'm a bit freaked out by them. Why is it that we talk openly about puberty but not menopause? WHY? I'm extremely fortunate that several of my friends are older than me, so I'll get a bit of a heads-up on what to expect.

I hope to give Alexis that heads-up as well. It may not happen for a while, but you can bet it will happen.

Poise brand is encouraging women to have The "Second Talk" in time for World Menopause Day on October 18th. I plan on tuning into the conversation so I can learn more about menopause and the solutions to some of the symptoms, thereby preparing myself for what's coming. The2ndTalk.com has information about things like hot flashes, dryness, and vaginal odor. They are all topics nobody seems to talk about, but we should.

And when it's time for me to combat what comes with menopause? Poise is introducing products designed to help women feel more comfortable, more in control, and more prepared to deal with the physical changes menopause and peri-menopause can bring. Be sure to look for details about the Body Cooling Towelettes; they look so refreshing.

It is easier to be confident as our bodies change when we know what to expect.

When do you feel most confident? Leave your answer in the comments to be entered for a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card. Me? I feel the most confident when I'm watching my kid be confident.

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