I can remember it like it happened yesterday. Akande came running to me with eyes that were both excited and worried. “Mom,” she said with a little shake in her voice, “I think something weird is going on.”

I could feel how scared she was, and it didn’t take me long to figure out what she was talking about. My little girl got older. It was time for her first period, one of the most important events in a young girl’s life.

I took a big breath, smiled, and told her, “Akande, it sounds like you might be getting your period, which is normal and fine.”

She looked at me with wide eyes and a lot of questions in her head. I could see that she needed help and direction during this new and sometimes confusing time.

We sat down on her bed together, and I told her in a gentle way what menstruation was. I used simple words and made sure she got the main points. I told her that it was normal for a girl’s body to do that and that it was a sign that she was becoming a young woman. I told her that every girl goes through it and that there was nothing to be ashamed of or scared of.

Akande paid close attention and took in everything I said. I could see that her worry was getting less and less as she realized that this was a normal part of life. She asked me questions, and I answered them honestly to make sure she felt safe talking about how she felt and any worries she had.

I showed her how to use menstrual pads and told her that they would help her stay clean and relaxed during her period. We went to the store together to buy pads, and we let her pick the ones that made her feel the most at ease. It was a small step toward freedom, and she seemed proud of herself for taking care of her own needs.

Akande got used to her new schedule as the days went by. We talked about how important it is to keep clean and how she should take care of herself when she had her period. I told her that she could always come to me with any questions or worries she had, and I would be there to help her.

When I look back, I can see that this experience was about more than just Akande’s physical growth. It was also about our relationship as mother and daughter. Those talks brought us closer together because we shared private times of understanding and support.

As time went on, Akande got better at taking care of her period. What had once seemed overwhelming had become a normal part of her life. I was proud of how she was growing up to be a wonderful young woman.

The first time my daughter got her period was a big deal for both of us. It taught me how important it is to talk to her, be patient, and give her a safe place to ask questions and talk about her worries. Together, we helped her through this new part of her life, which made our relationship stronger.

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I’ll be the first to admit that I love a good shopping spree. But with the economy being what it is and with a demanding and very expensive toddler to take care of, the days of splurging on designer pieces are far behind me. At least in the way that I used to. That is until I found Vinted. A popular second-hand online shopping platform here in France. Vinted has every high street and designer label item you can think of, and as I’ve discovered, there is a wide range of people who use Vinted, from stylists, editors, moms, housewives, students and everyone in between. In other words, you can find your Prada skirt or Gucci shoes for half or a third of the retail price, which is a HUGE relief. Not only is Vinted highly beneficial for my wallet and future spendings, but it will also come in handy for all the Christmas shopping that I want to do this season. I will find second-hand items of GREAT quality or those that haven’t even been used yet. I can also gift these items to my loved ones. 

Since using Vinted, I have also been able to offload items that I no longer wear and things my daughter has grown out of, which has been a great help in decluttering our cupboards whilst knowing that another family will get great use from the sold items. And as the heading of my article suggests, I have realized that whilst some of us may be put off from buying second-hand items predominately based on the stigmas around second-hand shopping, it is important to remember that second-hand shopping is highly beneficial. Not only is it a great way to save money, but it is also better for the environment AND is not as disgusting as people have made it out to be. Especially when so many measures have been put in place for your health and safety. 

Setting up and reselling second-hand clothes or home goods is also worthwhile. It is actually an excellent way to repurpose some of the goods you no longer need and perhaps benefit financially from that. It’s a perfect side hustle. After all, who doesn’t love a passionate side hustle? But if you are simply looking to update your look or even sell some items. Don’t overlook your local or national second-hand selling platforms as a starting point, with most sites and spaces offering support and insurance on items. You will likely get the real deal instead of some knock-off or something that looks nothing like what you ordered. 

The post Why second-hand shopping is not the taboo we were brought up to think it is appeared first on Sheevolves.world.