Introduction
Preparing your daughter for her first period is a critical conversation every parent especially mothers should have with their daughters, although sensitive but required to help her navigate the next phase of life.
However, this involves providing emotional support, information, and practical advice as experiences differ and this should be taken as our responsibility in preparing her for a significant milestone for a lifetime.
Here are some of the steps to guide her through this transition.
1. Educate early; Start early to discuss menstruation before it happens, especially when she starts showing signs of puberty. It is advisable to use age-appropriate language to explain what menstruation is, and why it happens, also focus on the biological aspects of menstruation, which will involve dispelling misconceptions your daughter may have about menstruation.
2. Educate about changes:
Physical changes: Discuss other changes that accompany puberty, such as breast development, mood swings, growth of pubic hair, and the onset of vaginal discharge. Discuss potential premenstrual symptoms like cramps, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue. Emphasize that these changes are normal and part of growing up.
Nutrition and Exercise: Emphasize the importance of a balanced diet, what to eat, and what not to eat during her period. Encourage regular physical activity such as exercise.
3. Use Appropriate Resources
Books, educational websites, and videos can be excellent resources to explain menstruation. Choose materials that are age-appropriate and scientifically accurate. Sharing these resources with your daughter can make the learning process engaging and less intimidating. Children Empowerment Funds has a book that speaks to menstrual hygiene which we give to girls for free during our Girls Hygiene Projects.
4. Be Open and Honest
When discussing menstruation, you must be honest in responding to your daughter’s questions without hesitation and assumptions. Address misconceptions and myths directly to ensure she has a clear understanding of her body and its changes.
5. Explain the Menstrual Cycle
Support your daughter by clarifying the menstrual cycle simply; you can do this through flashcards or pictures. Describe how, in the absence of pregnancy, the body naturally sheds the uterine lining during the menstrual cycle. Draw focus on the average cycle length (usually 28 days, though this can vary) and the average period length (3–7 days).
7. Offer a Menstruation Kit
Make your daughter a menstruation kit to help her feel prepared. Pack a change of underwear, sanitary pads, wipes, and panty liners. Show her how to use these products and emphasize the value of good hygiene during her menstrual cycle. Place the kit in a covert pouch she can tote around in her purse.
8. Make the Experience Normal
To help normalize the experience, tell family and friends about your own menstrual experiences or stories. Reiterate that every woman experiences her menstruation, which is a normal and healthy aspect of life.
9. Promote Honest Communication
Remind your daughter that she can speak with you at any time for clarity or worries she may have regarding her menstruation. Urge her to communicate her emotions, both physically and mentally. Ensure she has a safe environment to discuss this with you.
10. Encourage Self-Care
Emphasize the importance of taking care of herself when she is menstruating. Talk about how using a heating pad, having warm baths, or doing light exercise which can help with cramps. Urge her to pay attention to her body and take breaks when necessary.
11. Stay Supportive
Your daughter’s perception of menstruation will be shaped by your attitude towards it. Continue to be upbeat and encouraging, telling her that it’s a normal and controllable aspect of life. Honor this accomplishment as evidence of her maturing.
12. Seek Professional Assistance when needed
Speak with a healthcare provider if your daughter is experiencing severe pain, heavy bleeding, or emotional distress associated with her period. To manage these concerns, they can offer advice and, if required, medical intervention.
Conclusion
Preparing your daughter for her menstrual cycle is an essential part of helping her transition smoothly into womanhood. By providing accurate information, open communication, and emotional support, you can ensure she feels confident and empowered as she navigates this new phase of life. Remember, your approach and attitude will significantly impact how she perceives and manages her menstrual health.
