INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the signs of getting your period is that your breasts may swell. They may feel heavier than usual, or become painful to touch.  The changing hormones in your body affect your breasts during your period. Usually this swelling occurs before your period. If you're faking being on your period, you might complain about the way your breasts ached a few days earlier. Many girls and women experience a sense of being puffy and bloated around the time of their periods. When you're on your period, your body will naturally retain more water.  Some signs of being bloated are puffiness around your middle. You might complain that your clothes feel tight, and that your jeans are hard to close. You might say that you feel full, and don't feel like eating. Usually the bloating is done by the 3rd day of your period, so don't go on too long with your pretense. Hormones that come with your period can have an extreme effect on your mood, causing you to dive into sullen depression for no apparent reason. If you want to fake being on your period, pretend to be moody and depressed.  Other symptoms are feeling uncharacteristically anxious, irritable, or confused. Don't overdo it! You don't want your parents to be so worried about your mood that they take you to the doctor. Menstrual cramps happen in your abdominal area, and are caused by the muscles of the uterus contracting. The contracting uterus pushes the blood out, causing the visible signs of a period. If you are faking your period, talk about the pain of the cramps.  Your pretend cramps might feel either sharp and stabbing, or just like a dull ache. It's not a good idea to take medication, since you're not really experiencing pain. Instead, just explain that you need to rest. You might gently massage your abdomen, explaining that this helps the cramps. During your period, your lower back may start to ache. This is due to the same menstrual cramping that causes feelings of pain in the abdomen. Pain in your lower back due to your period is usually a dull achey feeling.  Again, it's still not a good idea to take medication, since you're not really in pain. However, it won't hurt you to put a hot compress on your back if someone insists you do something to feel better. Other things that you can suggest include taking a hot bath, or resting. These are recommended treatments for lower back cramps. There's nothing wrong with faking your period, but it might not solve the real problem you have. Talking to an older woman might be helpful, and you might be able to solve your problem in another way.  For example, if you feel like you need to fake your period to impress your friends, it's possible that you don't have strong friendships. A real friend accepts you just as you are. If you are faking your period to get out of gym class, talking with someone can help you figure out what it is about this class that is so dreadful that you have to lie to get out of it. Is the teacher unprofessional? Do you feel uncomfortable or self-conscious doing the gym activities? Talking with someone you trust about this situation may help you figure out what's really going on.

SUMMARY: Complain of swelling in your breasts. Explain that you're bloated. Pretend to have mood swings. Complain about menstrual cramps. Talk about lower back pain. Talk to someone.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You can enrich the relationship you have with your child by connecting with them in an age-appropriate way. Teach, work on projects, and play on a level that your child is familiar with. This helps them bond with you and makes you seem more approachable.  If you have a toddler, get on the floor and build a city out of blocks. If you have older adolescents or teens, join in on a round of video games. You are more likely to spark conversation during these types of activities than by trying to get them talking at the dinner table. While your children need to know that you acknowledge and respect their individuality, it also counts when you uplift the family as a unit. Make family time a regular and special part of your routine. Eat meals together most nights of the week, and have everyone share their peaks and pits (i.e. best and worst moments) of the day. Go to sporting events, movies, or community gatherings together. Spending time together as a unit is essential. You should also set aside time to focus on each individual child. Prioritizing one-on-one time helps you form a connection with each child. Plus, it also helps you focus on each child’s individual strengths and talents. Find a shared hobby to engage in with each of your children. Maybe you will teach one kid how to fish on weekends. Or, work with another on perfecting a piano performance. Free up part of your weekly schedule to build a special relationship with each child. Parents who have good relationships with their children are involved in their lives. You can’t expect to have a strong bond with your children if you simply say “good morning” and “good night” each day.  It’s understandable that you’re busy juggling work and other responsibilities, but you should also make an effort to get to know your kids and learn about what’s happening in their lives. If you have some free time, offer to volunteer at school, coach a softball game, or meet with your children’s teachers regularly to stay updated on their academic performance. Sit down with them as they do homework. Help them practice their lines for the school play. Invite your kids’ friends over so you know what kind of influences they are around. Let your kids know that things don’t always have to be so serious between you. Of course, you want them to respect your authority, but you also want to laugh with them. A sense of fun can liven up their lives and build fond memories. Make crazy faces or noises to supplement mealtimes or playtime with smaller children. Act silly with adolescents by pulling pranks or telling jokes.

SUMMARY:
Get on their level. Emphasize the importance of family time. Dedicate one-on-one time for each child. Stay in touch with academics, friendships, and extracurriculars. Kid around.