8 THINGS TO SAY WHEN YOUR DAUGHTER GETS HER FIRST PERIOD

Dear mums, the day your daughter starts her period for the first time can be very confusing and scary.

Most girls start their periods when they’re about 12, but they can start as Early as 8, so its important to talk to your girls from an early age to make sure they’re prepared before the big day. Many parents feel awkward talking about periods, especially with pre-teen girls, who can seem to get easily embarrassed

Also most parents, would have prepared their daughters with “Period Talk” before they start and most parents would have gotten some supplies ready for them, so no one is shocked when it finally arrives. However, there are some things to make sure your girl knows about this blessings of life.

HERE ARE 8 THINGS TO SAY TO YOUR DAUGHTER WHEN SHE HER FIRST PERIOD

1.THIS IS A PERFECT NATURAL PART OF LIFE: Let your daughter know that it’s a natural part of life that a lot girls her age may be having their periods soon. If they haven’t already. If you can remember when you started share with her about that day, and if you can’t, it’s ok, you can also share another story about your period at her age.

2. TALK ABOUT DIFFERENT METHODS OF PROTECTION : Most girls are comfortable with maxi when they are first starting out. Hopefully you’ve already shown her how to use one. At this time, make sure she knows that it needs to be changed every four hours. Talk about the different strengths available in pad and how to choose the right ones on the right day. Make sure she knows how to dispose of the pads, using the wrapper from the new one to wrap the older one before throwing in the trash and not the toilet.

3. TALK ABOUT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF FLOWS: While talking about pads and tampons, be sure she is aware that sometimes she will have heavier flow than others. Make sure she know that if a pad or a tampon is filled to the max in an hour, she needs to let you or a doctor know right away.

4. TEACH HER HOW TO TRACK HER CYCLE ON THE CALENDAR : Whether she has her own calendar or not, most girls might be a little embarrassed at this age to have their period tracked. Let her know she can use the little symbol instead, to indicate where she starts or how many days her period last. (a little circle, an X, heart, or whatever she likes)

5. LET HER KNOW THAT IT IS NORMAL FOR HER PERIOD TO BE IRREGULAR AT FIRST : Many girls will start their period and not get one again for six months. Most girls just starting our will not have 28 days circles. Encourage her to keep track and see if she can identify any patterns and reassure her that in a couple of years it might regular.

6. TALK ABOUT SOME SYMPTOMS SHE MIGHT EXPERIENCE AND HOW TO DEAL WITH IT: She may experience cramps and bloating or irritability, remind her this is normal and share how you would treat each symptom.

TEACH HER HOW TO USE THE PAD AND ENCOURAGE GOOD HYGIENE: Hopefully at this time your daughter is taking good care of herself. But if she’s been slacking, now is the time to make sure she is showering regularly and keeping herself clean.

TEACH HER HOW TO DEAL WITH LAUNDRY ISSUES: Let your daughter know that sometimes stain happen no matter how careful you are. Encourage her to set aside a set of underwear for period week, so all of her panties aren’t ruined and teach her how to treat stains on clothing or bedding and how to deal with it.

My final thoughts

Dear parents, remember that this is a very confusing time for your girls. There are so many natural changes going on in their lives and bodies and their friends are likely going through it, too… So please show her some extra love and encouragement as often as you can.