How To Talk To Your Child About Her First Period
The changes brought about by puberty may be scary for a young girl. Before she may have her menstrual perdiod, she may already understand some things about menstruation, that she may have learned at school, or from other people. Because puberty brings about changes in the body, it can be stressful for your girl, especially if she has negative perceptions towards these changes. Therefore, it may help if you prepare your child for these changes early on.
A lot of girls get their first period once they are nearly 12 or 13 years old. Nevertheless for some individuals, it may occur a few years earlier than that. Tackling this situation can be uncomfortable for you and your daughter, but generally they are more inclined to feel at ease, once the issue is discussed by a female family member.
Before talking about the issue, it may be ideal to evaluate what your daughter already knows about puberty. There may be a need to clarify inaccurate information, and a parent must tackle these concerns accordingly. Explain to your daughter why menstruation occurs, and how it can have an effect on the body. It is essential that you offer your child an overview of ovulation, and that she entirely knows what it means to be sexually mature.
There is also a need to describe to your child what it is going to feel like to have her period. It may also help if you discuss signs that her period may not be too far off. Women usually get their period, two years after their breasts have started to develop. Explain signs as well like vaginal discharges, and symptoms linked with premenstrual syndrome. Let your child know that there can be times that she will feel varied symptoms like mood swings, irritability, and cramps, which may occur days before she gets her period. This should prepare her better for any discomforts, which her period may bring.
It is also vital 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 purchased at dispensers inside the bathroom. Explain to your daughter as well, that menstruation differs for each and every individual. Some girls may only menstruate for two days, while others may have them longer. Some girls may also have light periods, while other 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 instances that you need to be aware, if she notices that her period gets really abnormal. These involve prolonged periods lasting more than ten days, periods associated with extreme pain, or if she is having an abnormally heavy menstrual flow. These instances may necessitate a consultation with a health care provider.
For every single developmental milestone that a kid goes through, mothers and fathers play a key role in preparing a child for these changes. Although 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 expected changes that are yet to arise, after a girl begins the transition towards maturity. However, these may be the times when your daughter may need you the most. By tackling sensitive issues like menstruation, you are allowing your child know that you are open to talking about other topics as well.
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