The talk - what you need to tell your daughter

Tuesday, June 1, 2021 - 15:34

Your little girl is not that little anymore. As she enters into a confusing phase of her life, her hormones are kicking up a fuss, affecting and changing her. Puberty is a difficult time, but you can help her get through it by discussing the changes she can expect, and helping her deal with them effectively.

Creating a positive picture to help her properly understand what is happening is extremely important for her mental and emotional well-being. Start the conversation in a casual manner. Why do girls have discharge? It is important to be open and honest, and yet, calm and directed, to avoid making it a big deal, while still stressing the importance of the change.

Prepare - On an average, girls start menstruating between the ages of 12 and 13. Keep your eyes open for any changes in her mood or body before this, to give you an indication of when she is ready. Start talking to her about the menstrual cycle, and have casual conversations about women’s health and bodies.

Practice – Ask advice from friends with older girls on how they discussed the subject. Incorporate those tips into your own plan, and practice what you will say to avoid uncomfortable situations. Have several small conversations before the big one, so you get a feel of what is going on in her mind.

Positive – It is important to keep the conversation, and the information, positive. After all, you don’t want your daughter to look at the menstrual cycle as something to fear or dread. This is a completely natural body process, and it needs to be treated accordingly.

Prepare some more – Sit with your daughter and read up about how a woman’s body changes. She may have questions that you may not have an answer to, so seeking them together will not only help you be better informed, but it will also create a bond between mother-daughter.

Panty liners – By now, your daughter may have started experiencing vaginal discharge. Explain to her that this is completely normal, and using panty liners can help her feel clean and fresh. Also, explain the difference between white and brown discharge. Starting young, it will be more comfortable for her to make panty liners a part of her daily routine, and adapt to sanitary pads for those days of the month.

 

Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.