How To Talk To Your Child About Her First Period

The changes brought about by puberty can be scary for a young girl. Before she may have her period, she may already understand some things regarding menstruation, that she may have learned at school, or from other people. Since puberty brings about changes in the body, it can be stressful for your girl, especially if she has negative perceptions towards these changes. Hence, it may help if you prepare your daughter for these changes early on.

A lot of girls have their first period once they are approximately 12 or 13 years old. Nonetheless for some individuals, it may come about a few years earlier than that. Tackling this situation might be uncomfortable for you and your daughter, but usually they are more inclined to feel at ease, once the issue is discussed by a female family member.

Before discussing the issue, it may be best to evaluate what your daughter already knows about puberty. There may be a need to clarify wrong information, and a father or mother should tackle these concerns accordingly. Clarify to your daughter why menstruation occurs, and how it can have an effect on the body. It is important that you offer your daughter an overview of ovulation, and that she totally understands what it means to be sexually mature.

There is also a need to explain to your child what it is going to feel like to have her period. It may additionally help if you discuss signs that her period may not be too far off. Women usually get their period, two years after their bosoms have started to develop. Explain signs as well like vaginal discharges, and signs associated with premenstrual syndrome. Let your kid know that there can be times that she will feel varied symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and cramps, that may happen days before she gets her period. This will prepare her better for any discomforts, which her period may bring.

It is also essential to teach your daughter how to use sanitary pads or tampons. You may even encourage your daughter to carry a napkin to school just in case. Sanitary napkins may also be obtained at dispensers inside the bathroom. Explain to your daughter as well, that menstruation varies for every individual. Some girls may only menstruate for two days, while others may have them longer. Most girls may also have light periods, while most individuals may experience heavy menstrual bleeding.

It may also be the best time to encourage open communication lines with your daughter. Tell her that if she has any concerns or fears, she can approach you anytime. Let your child know that there may be circumstances that you need to be aware, if she notices that her period gets really abnormal. These involve prolonged periods lasting over ten days, periods associated with severe pain, or if she is having an abnormally heavy menstrual flow. These situations may necessitate a consultation with a health care provider.

For each developmental milestone that a child goes through, parents play a key role in preparing a child for these changes. Though discussing a matter such as menstruation may be awkward at first, it may be a way to establish a stronger relationship with your child. There are many anticipated changes that are yet to arise, after a girl starts the transition towards maturity. Nonetheless, these may be the instances when your daughter may need you the most. By tackling delicate issues like menstruation, you are letting your child know that you are open to talking about other topics as well.