Advice On How To Talk To Your Daughter About Menstruation

Why is it that even in today's advanced society, moms still worry about talking to their daughters about menstruation? It is probably because the experience is intensely private and personal, no matter how much little girls whisper about it on the playground or how the media and popular culture might make light of it. It is a big deal for them, and their moms know it. Here are some ways to make talking about menstruation easier for you and for her.

Pick The Right Time

Unless your daughter has heard something false about menstruation at an early age, there is really no reason to bring up the subject yourself until the 4th grade or so which is generally when the topic begins to be officially discussed at school. If your younger-grade daughter does hear something which disturbs her, you needn't go into the particulars: simply reassure her that periods are a normal part of growing up and being an adult woman and that you will discuss the details when she is older.

Take Her Seriously and Answer Her Questions Truthfully

So much about menstruation is cloaked in "mystery" for little girls that chances are good that your pre-teen has already built up quite a reservoir of myths and assumptions before you get a chance to talk with her yourself. Never dismiss her questions as silly or unimportant: although they may seem ridiculous to you, they are very serious to her. She will be more likely to want to come to you with questions or problems throughout her teen years if she knows you will be honest, open, and non-judgmental.

Help Her To Feel Prepared

The time to get your daughter ready for her first period is definitely not when she's having it! Plan ahead so that when the time comes, she will feel a little more in control of what's happening with her body. Explain about pads and tampons, cleanliness and other hygiene matters. Let her know how much blood she might expect without frightening her, but so that she won't be shocked when it happens. Help her to understand what menstrual cramps are and that she might get a headache as well. Then, as a team, put together a little box of menstrual supplies that she can pull out when the day comes. Do not shop for them with her in a store: she will be mortified. There are online vendors of feminine products who can supply you with what she needs while never leaving the privacy of your own home.

Remember that it's up to you to help your daughter begin to make the transformation from girl to woman with a little more confidence and with a whole lot less fear. Do not leave the job of talking with her to school health officials or her friends! You are her most trusted advisor, and she will look to you to help her know the truth.