Getting Your Daughter Ready For Her First Period

Many women probably remember when and where they got their first period. Being a mother ourselves now  this one we can still better organize for our daughters. If your daughter is approaching her first period, this is how you can help her to be ready without embarrassing her.

Answer her questions 

She might be probably wondering what her period will feel like, how long they will last, and how would she be able to take care of herself each month. Yes! these are topics teenagers do discuss in private. Probably you can start with the basics.  Explain it to her that her first few periods will most likely be light, and they might not be regular too in the beginning. The blood could be red, brown, or even blackish, and she needs to change her sanitary pad every 4 – 6 hours.

Make her a period kit. 

Get a small kit and stock it with a couple of sanitary pads and a clean pair of underwear. Tell your daughter to keep it with her at all times initially.

Teach girls to watch each other’s backs

Definitely, you need to let her know that if she thinks her friend is leaking, she should tell her — and ask the friend to return the favor. 

Train her to call for backup

Period mishaps are bound to happen, so help your daughter pick a trusted adult she can ask for help if she is  away from home. It could be a teacher or a friend’s parent and on the top list, you.

No need to complicate period problems

Initially, keep a bit of  information like bloating, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and acne, etc  for later. Some of these symptoms won’t show up until our girl has had her period for a couple of years. Rather, start gently confiding in her that it is normal for some girls to have cramps, back pain, or tender breasts before or during their periods.