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The time: The late 1950's (sort of)

The city: Milwaukee, WI

The place: The apartment of Laverne DeFazio and Shirley Feeney.

The situation: Laverne is rebuffing the idea of visiting the grave of her deceased mother, despite her father's pressure and anger at her refusal. She and her roommate, Shirley, are in the living room, discussing the fear and resentment that Laverne is displaying. She has become a disappointment to her father, a puzzlement to her step-mother and a pain in the neck for all of her friends.

The conversation:
Shirley-You're mad at her, aren't you? That's it! You're mad at her for dying!
Laverne-She left me when I needed her most, Shirl. I didn't even know how to shave my legs. I was the only girl in Fillmore High with moustaches above both my knees!

Okay ... this may not be an exact quotation from the smash 70's sit-com (my apologies to the writers-I really did search for the clip), it conveys the idea. Laverne DeFazio, and the actress, writers, and producers who gave her life, seemed gifted at voicing the insecurities of young women. Including the shaving thing.

That was then.

Now we're the moms, intent on instructing our girls in avoiding knee-moustaches, and other unhappinesses of life. It seems so simple. Almost too simple. So how do we begin?

READY!
Your child is entering a new phase of life. Her body, mind and emotions are fixing to hit the fast-track to adulthood. And, while she wants to become a young woman, she may not relish the idea of all the steps she'll have to take to get there. Take some time over the next few weeks (if time permits) to discuss with her changes, concerns, expectations she has, and rumors she may have heard. You might be surprised by how much she already knows. You might also be surprised by how much she doesn't. Help her understand what's ahead, dispel any misinformation she may have picked up, and encourage her gently into her first step into womanhood. This is, quite often, shaving.

Set!
Make a date with your daughter for a short shopping trip. Make it special-just the two of you, with a stop at the coffee shop (with coffee for you, iced tea for her). You'll only need to purchase a few things. Allow your child to pick out her shaving bucket or basket, in which to keep her gear-a razor, replacement blades, shaving cream or gel and lotion. Have fun with her as she coordinates the container with her room theme. She may need some help in choosing her razor, so be prepared to state your preference, show her how to price

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