You’ve helped your daughter through her first steps, her first day at school, and all the important and sometimes scary milestones. It’s just as important that you’re there to talk to her about getting her period. Here are some tips on how you can take this big “mother-daughter” moment to build your bond and allay any of her fears about the changes in her body.
Don’t make the “talk” scary
Sitting her on sofa for a major heart-to-heart can be even scarier (and a little weird). It’s better to just grab common scenarios, like going to the sanitary pads section in the grocery, to start casual chat. Also ask her if she understands TV ads about napkins and feminine wash.
Leave a book on her table
While schools will tackle sex education, your daughter may have questions that she’s too embarrassed to ask in the classroom. Leave a book like “The Period Book: Everything you don’t want to ask but need to know” by Karen and Jennifer Gravelle on her bed, give her time to look it over, and then ask her if there’s anything she wants to talk about.
Open up
Now is a good time for you to make your daughter feel that you understand her and are here for her. Talk to her about your own experience, so she realizes dreading this big day is normal. Tell her that like the pimple on her nose or the hair that’s starting to grow in new places, menstruation happens to every girl and is something she’ll get used to eventually.
Teach her good hygiene
Start her on panty liners–a good habit to develop right now. Prepare a period kit for her to carry around that includes pads, wipes, and extra underwear in case she is caught in public when the day arrives. Stock up on sanitary pads before her first period. Demonstrate how a pad is positioned on her underwear, and explain when to change it. If she’s curious, allow her to wear one. A lot of girls may be hesitant about using tampons, but have some junior versions available anyway.
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