Discussing puberty and changes in a girl’s body is important before she starts with her first period. We need to create a positive picture of menstruation. It will help her to understand that it is extremely important for her well-being.
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Usually, mothers are caught unprepared when a 7 or 8-year-old girl asks about the tampons in her mother’s vanity or a commercial on television.
Try to maintain an open and healthy relationship with your daughter. Give her the best and honest information about the subject.
According to recent research, most girls start developing breast buds between the age of 9 and 10. So it is important to talk about these changes earlier. It is a sign that her first period is not far now.
Before the onset of menstruation, pubic and underarm hair begins to appear about 6 months ago and breast buds development usually precedes two years.
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Few tips to get prepared to talk to your daughter about her first period:
- On average, a girl’s first period usually starts between 12 to 13 years of age but some girls might start earlier and some possibly later.
- Tell your daughter that she needs to discuss health, growth, and body development before she starts her first period.
- To avoid uncomfortable moments, share complete information with her and be prepared for the pop-up questions in her mind.
- Start by picturizing a positive image about menstruation so that she would not feel scared.
- Tell her that it is the next step in becoming a woman, which is natural and a wonderful experience.
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Talk about the first period:
- It is easy for kids to absorb when you start talking in general terms at an early age. She should be informed that her body will grow up like her mother. She will notice some changes in her body such as breasts and hair at some places. The body keeps on growing and change with age.
- As she grows older, tell her that a woman’s body works on the menstrual cycle which takes about 28 days.
- There are body parts that help a woman to grow a baby inside her body. And this causes a woman to have a period.
- It is not necessary to give extensive explanations about ovulation initially if you are not comfortable.
- She might have heard about bleeding by some other girl in school. Ask her what all she knows and provide her correct information with your own experience.
- You can also show her some videos or read books together on puberty.
- The Care and Keeping of You – Valorie Schaefer
- What’s the Big Secret – Dr. Laurie Krasny Brown & Marc Brown
- Share your personal experience to make her comfortable and calm. When you had your first period, how did you manage it with the help of your mother? It is normal and natural which every woman goes through.
- Discuss the ways to stay clean and hygiene conditions during the period. Educate her about the use of sanitary pads and tampons.
- It is important to discuss the uncomfortable symptoms of a period also. But do not exaggerate as it affects everyone differently.
- Once your daughter experiences her first period, educate her about the link between menstruation and pregnancy.
- Celebrate her first period with her as it is a milestone in a woman’s life!
Have more tips to add that helped you to discuss the first period and menstruation with your daughter? Please share with us in the comments section below.
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Wish you a very Happy and Wonderful Parenting!