Parenting - Talking to Your Preteen Girl About Menstruation

Your pre-teen daughter may reach puberty when she is around twelve years old. However, in some cases this can take place a few years later. Hereditary conditions also play a vital role in determining the age when the girl gets her first menstrual period. As an understanding mother, it is natural for you to wonder what is the right time to talk to your daughter about this. You may be surprised but it is very likely that your daughter may initiate the conversation. However if she has not approached you on her own, you can sit her down for the big talk. It would be a good idea to do this talk when your daughter is around 8 or 9 years old and has not yet got the first period. The first period is also called as menarche. Signs that your daughter may be ready for this include breast development and pubic hair growth. Remember that the start of the menstrual period is a big moment in your daughter's life. Never refer to the period in a negative light. Instead tell her that it is one of the wonderful aspects of being a woman. Make her understand that without it she cannot become a mother.

You can start the talk with your daughter about this big change by educating her about the changes that will happen in her body as she grows older. You must also explain to her that each one's body is different. You must also educate her on the importance of hygiene. If you are apprehensive about how to get started with the topic, you may consider asking your family doctor for advice. Some tips to talk to your daughter about menstruation are:

• Choose a time to talk when you will have no interruptions and disturbances.
• Explain to her that it is perfectly normal for every woman to have a period. Wipe away her fears by telling her that it is the first step towards becoming a woman. Assure her that having a period is not scary.
• You can use videos and books with illustrations to help her understand the concepts of menstruation better.
• Explain the entire menstrual cycle to her and tell her about the symptoms that she may face during a period.
• Tell her that the number of days the period lasts varies from person to person.
• Tell her about various sanitary options that are used during the period. Sanitary napkins are the most preferred choice.
• Ask her to keep track of her periods on a calendar. This helps her to be prepared for the next period in the following month. In the initial months, her period may be irregular.
• Educate her on how to use a sanitary napkin and also dispose a used napkin.
• Help her understand the pre-menstrual syndromes.
• Show your daughter how she can wash off the unavoidable stain on her dress if it occurs.
• Make her understand that having a period does not affect her regular routine.

A few questions that your daughter may have about menstruation are:

• Why do only I have periods? Why does my brother not have them?
• Will I have periods for the rest of my life?
• Do periods occur every month after they first start?
• How long does a period last? Will I lose a lot of blood?
• Will I have any pains before or during a period?
• What can I use to keep myself comfortable during a period?

Remember to keep the doors of communication open and always respond to any queries that your daughter may have.