Honestly, the first time my daughter had her menstruation last Sunday, I didn’t know what to feel. It’s sort of mixed emotions…excited on her “to be new world” as a preteen, yet sad because she is just 10 and is still supposed to play and enjoy her childhood. I am excited that sooner I’ll have a salon-buddy but sad that my baby is somewhat struggling right now with hormonal and physical changes. I was nervous as hell but I need to be calm. I had to.
the more your child will trust you.
A couple of months ago, I have noticed changes in my daughter. She is more conscious of her looks. She combs her hair for I can’t count how many times in a day and can’t go outside without looking first at the mirror. She’s more demure and doesn’t want to wear sleeveles anymore. Her breasts started to develop and tiny hairs are beggining to grow in her pubic area. She also got taller and curvier. I knew then that sooner my daughter will have her monthly period. She learned about these changes on her work education class but still I talked to her before the momentous day arrives to prepare her emotionally and physically. It is because I don’t want her to get this wrong notion that puberty and mestruation are scary.
How to prepare your preteen for menstruation?
- Explain to her the physical changes that will occur in her body. Discuss it as casually as possible to kill the uncomfortable awkwardness.
- Encourage your girl to ask questions related to puberty. Listen openly (avoid interrupting) then answer her honestly. Do some research (if you have to) to provide her good information.
- Discuss not only the physical changes but also the things she needs to do for health and hygienic purposes. I know that you already taught her the basics of good hygiene when she was younger but as her body changes, her personal hygiene changes too.
- Before the big day, help your girl to be familiar with sanitary napkins. You may start by asking her to help you place sanitary napkin on your underwear.
- Your girl also needs to know that she may experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS). She also needs to know that she can get pregnant as soon as she becomes sexually active.
- Keep the communication open. The more you listen, the more your child will trust you. It will be easier for her to talk directly to you.
Your girl’s questions might be the same questions you had when you’re her age so answer all her questions truthfully. If you don’t know the answer, finding it together can be a good bonding too.
Wow, my eldest is also 10, turning 11 in November. I am hoping she won’t get her period yet. But when she does I’ll be sure to keep these tips you shared in mind. Thanks! Congratulations to your daughter. 😀
Oh my goodness! I have 2 young girls and I dread this happening! Kuddos to you for handling it so well. Thanks for the great advice, can you email me this in like 10 years?
Congrats, your little girl is now a woman ;).
I’m both excited and apprehensive for when that time comes for my girl. Thanks for these tips. That should make things easier for us both. It’s going to be stressful for me as well, I’m sure.
When my daughter was eight, I took her to the doctor because she had a slight swelling around the breast area. Turns out, she was already developing breasts! Kids nowadays are developing fast, and it’s important to tell them what to expect! Great post.
Such an important moment between a mom and her daughter. I think that you have really covered the important stuff here. I have to say I am so glad that I do not have daughters, but these conversations do happen with boys too. I had them ask about the sanitary napkins I was buying the other day. When I explained what they were for they both were perplexed that I would be going through this since I am so old. LOL
Rossel… my little girl is almost 6… oh my God… the only thing I can say is that I don’t want the same thing to happen to her that happened to me.. I had no clue… no one ever clued me in… no until after the fact. 🙁 I never want my little one to feel the same I did that’s for sure! Grace, peace and blessings, Carla
I’ve had two of my four daughters enter the wild, woolly world of menstruation thusfar. It’s definitely a rite of passage and just a bit scary for the mom. Thanks for these great prep tips!