By Dina Alexander, MS
As parents–not just moms–it’s essential to support and educate our daughters as they navigate the journey of puberty. One significant milestone during this period is the onset of menstruation.
To and confident about her period, we’ve compiled a list of 12 crucial ways you can prepare her for this new experience.
- Open Communication: Foster a safe and open environment for your daughter to discuss menstruation. and express her concerns without judgment.
- Start Early: Begin the conversation about periods before your daughter’s first one. Provide age-appropriate information, and discuss this and other , so she feels prepared when the time comes.
- Explain the Basics: Educate your daughter about the biology behind menstruation. Discuss the menstrual cycle, shedding of the uterine lining, and the duration and frequency of periods.
- Talk about PMS: Help your daughter understand premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and its possible emotional and physical symptoms. Share your personal experiences and teach her coping mechanisms like exercise, self-care, and open communication with friends and family.
- Discuss Hygiene: Teach your daughter about maintaining good menstrual hygiene. Explain the importance of regularly changing pads or tampons to prevent infections and discomfort.
- Choose the Right Products: Introduce your daughter to different menstrual products, such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. Explain their uses, benefits, and how to use them safely and effectively.
- Practice with Pads: Begin by introducing pads as they are easier to use for beginners. Demonstrate how to wear and change them, and provide guidance on choosing the correct absorbency and size.
- Gradually Introduce Tampons: Once your daughter feels comfortable with pads, you can discuss tampons. Teach her about proper insertion, removal, and the importance of changing them regularly to prevent Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
- Address Accidents: Accidents happen, especially in the early stages. Assure your daughter that it’s normal, and provide her with practical advice on handling accidents discreetly, such as carrying spare pads or tampons.
- Normalize Menstruation: Emphasize that menstruation is a natural and healthy process. Dispel any myths or misconceptions surrounding periods, so your daughter feels empowered and confident in her body.
- Discuss Pregnancy: As your daughter starts menstruating, it’s crucial to explain the link between periods and the potential for pregnancy. Teach her about ovulation, fertile days, and the importance of practicing safe sex and using contraception if she becomes sexually active in the future.
- Be Supportive: Above all, be there for your daughter emotionally. Offer support, reassurance, and love during this transitional phase. Celebrate her milestones and acknowledge her strength in embracing this new experience.
Preparing your daughter for her period is an important part of parenting. By , providing accurate information, and offering guidance, you can help your daughter approach menstruation with confidence, understanding, and self-assurance. Remember to emphasize the normalcy of this natural process while ensuring she is well-informed about her reproductive health. By doing so, you can empower your daughter to navigate her menstrual journey with grace and ease.
Ready to prepare your kids for menstruation, puberty, great sexual health, and healthy relationships? Check out our book series 30 Days of Sex Talks: Empowering Your Child with Knowledge of Sexual Intimacy (for families with kids ages 3-7, 8-11, and 12+, 3 books in all). You won’t regret it! We’ve made it super easy to have these essential conversations.
Dina Alexander is the founder and CEO of Educate and Empower Kids, an organization determined to strengthen families by teaching digital citizenship, media literacy, and healthy sexuality education—including education about the dangers of online porn. Recently she’s written the children’s books Petra’s Power to See: A Media Literacy Adventure and Noah’s New Phone: A Story About Using Technology for Good, and co-wrote Messages About Me: A Journey to Healthy Body Image.
For adults, she and her team created How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography and the 30 Days of Sex Talks and 30 Days to a Stronger Child programs. She received her master’s degree in recreation therapy from the University of Utah and her bachelor’s from Brigham Young University. Dina has taught in various capacities for the past 22 years, including marriage enhancement, art for small children and group fitness. She has also worked with teenage girls in a residential treatment setting, adults with drug addictions, and children with special needs. She is a dedicated, whole-hearted mom of three children and loves spending time with them. Together, they live in New Mexico.
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