How to Talk to Your Daughters About Menstruation (Periods)

How to Talk to Your Daughters About Menstruation – Periods are totally natural, and the first periods signify the beginning of the wonderful adventure of growing up. And, while the start of the menstrual cycle is a significant occasion in a girl’s life, how many of you remember having a confident & stress-free first period? The majority of you were taken aback and had little understanding of periods as well as what they signified until the first ones arrived. As a result, it is critical that we instill a good attitude in our girls and encourage them to accept their periods without fear.

Discuss with your daughter that having a period is healthy and normal. Here are some suggestions that how to talk to Your Daughters About Menstruation in order to break society’s stigma surrounding the period.

What is Menstruation (Period)?

Menstruation, often known as the period, is typical vaginal bleeding that happens throughout a woman’s monthly cycle. Every month, your reproductive system gets ready for pregnancy. If there is no pregnancy, the uterus, or womb, will lose its lining. Menstrual blood is made up of both blood and uterine tissue. It leaves the body via the vagina.

Periods normally begin between the ages of 11 and 14, and last until menopause at about the age of 51. They normally persist from 3 to 5 days. In addition to vaginal bleeding, you may have:

Abdominal or pelvic cramping discomfort
Mood swings, irritation
Low backache
Headache and tiredness.
Bloating and painful breasts.

Why do you need to have a period talk with your children?

Most females experience their first periods in sixth or seventh classes. This period is especially challenging for them as they negotiate puberty and the changes that their bodies are undergoing. Most youngsters learn about the period and everything associated to it from their classmates, which is obviously not a reliable source.

Biology courses or lessons at school begin significantly later, around 8th or 9th grade, which means that around 71% of girls (UNESCO) have no understanding of what is going on when they have their first period. As a result, preparation communication about puberty and periods from their moms or maybe dads will not only clear up any concerns they may have but also reduce the anxiety and shame associated with periods. That’s why period talk with your children is necessary.

When should I talk about periods?

It is uncommon for girls to experience their first periods while seated next to their mothers. Imagine your daughter going to school or out on a normal day when she notices blood in her vagina and has no idea what it is. It’s a frightening situation for both her and you, with no one nearby who can help her. Thus, having a period talk ahead of time is crucial.

When you see your child becoming angry or weeping frequently because of mood swings, sleeping for unusually long hours, or if she has begun blossoming or suffering painful breasts, as well as the growth of pubic hair, you may be sure she is entering puberty. You may see a white or colorless discharge on her underwear, indicating that her menstrual cycle will begin shortly. Menarche, or the first period, usually occurs between 3 and 12 months after the white or colorless discharge appears. So, it is a wonderful moment to bring up periods in everyday talks. This might happen at any point when she is 8 or 9.

How to Talk to Your Daughters About Menstruation

The menstrual cycle is a complex and important issue that cannot be fully grasped in a single conversation. It’s important to understand the changes their body will be going through as well as how to prepare for them. Do not wait for the “perfect” time to discuss this topic. Your kid may become overwhelmed when processing the information all at once. Instead, bring up these subjects casually so you can help them understand. Period normalization is vital for kids to realize that it is a healthy biological phase of growing up.

You can discuss your first period with them or begin to include them in talks about your periods. Take her with you when you go shopping for sanitary napkins to demonstrate that there is nothing to be embarrassed by. Teach children that buying sanitary pads is just as normal as shopping for groceries and does not have to be carried out in secret.

Discuss with your kid that the changes she is going through are all typical and a natural part of growing up. Talk to her about the potential menstrual cycle symptoms she can have, including backache & cramping during her period, acne, breast soreness, mood swings, and fatigue. Explain how mild activities during the menstrual cycle could help reduce discomfort; yet, not being able to workout during menstruation is also acceptable.

Additionally, you may read educational articles online about first periods and how to handle them with her. In this manner, if she has any concerns, you can deal with them immediately. A period survival pack or kit including pads for initial or first periods, an additional set of underwear, and a lot of tissues can also be quite beneficial for your daughter. She should have one in her school bags and one at home. You must also educate her on how to change and dispose of a pad safely, with a focus on preserving period cleanliness, and how to wear one on her own.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Most females have no issues with their periods. However, if your daughter is experiencing the following you can consult with the doctor:

Most females have no issues with their periods. Call your doctor if your daughter:

She is 15 and has not had her period.
She began developing breasts over three years ago & doesn’t have periods anymore.
It has been more than two years since her first period, & her periods still do not occur every 3-6 weeks (particularly when she skips three or more cycles in a row).
suffers severe cramps.
has very severe bleeding (bleeding through a pad or tampon more than once every two hours).
suffers from severe PMS, which interferes with her daily tasks.

A Note from Kamarth

We can ensure that we establish a shame-free, non-toxic, and understanding atmosphere by having a period chat with kids. Period chats with kids not only assist in normalizing their periods but may also increase their confidence as they get older. Children can make healthier decisions more effectively the more they know about their bodies. Ensure that your children receive accurate information from you or another trustworthy source like kamarth. (Talk to Your Daughters About Menstruation)

Some Additional Doubts

Question: What is PMS?
Answer: PMS (premenstrual syndrome) occurs when a girl experiences physical and mental signs before or during her menstruation. These symptoms may include moodiness, sadness, nervousness, bloating, and acne. They disappear after the initial days of a menstrual cycle.

Question: Do periods happen regularly when menstruation starts?
Answer: For the initial several years once a girl begins her period, it may not be regular. This is typical at first. A girl should be getting her period once a month by the time she is two or three years past her first period.

Question: What happens if I start my period at school?
Answer: If she begins her period at school, there is no need to panic; it is only a matter of getting comfortable with her flow while remaining prepared! Use the knowledge that is given by your mother.

Question: What should talk to your daughter about menstruation?
Answer: What you discuss with your child is determined by his or her age and developmental stage as well.

Question: Should you discuss it with your sons as well?
Answer: One of the major contributors to the long-standing stigma is the refusal to discuss periods with our sons & brothers. Periods are a natural part of growing up as a woman, and they must be normalized. By discussing menstruation with your kid, you are training him to be sensitive brothers & friends now, as well as understanding lovers, husbands, and fathers later.

While school teaches children about the biology of menstruation, it is critical that they learn to be kind, patient, mindful, and helpful to females, especially during periods.

Reference Links:
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/talking-about-periods-at-home
https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/how-support-your-daughter-her-first-period
https://montrealchildrenshospital.ca/health-info/advice-for-moms-talking-to-your-daughter-about-menstruation/
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/daughters-first-period-how-to-prepare
https://tampax.co.uk/en-gb/period-health/talking-to-your-daughter-about-puberty/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/periods/starting-periods/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6293884/