What was your first period like?
Were you expecting it?
Did you hide it?
Shove toilet paper in your pants and cry in the middle school bathroom?
Did you celebrate with your family?
Well, knowledge is power, ladies!
And your contribution to the cause starts with your own daughter.
So in addition to consulting myriad public health guides, I spoke withDr.
Humanizing menstruation by making it a concrete, personal topic can help remove fear.
That means communicating with your daughter about puberty ideally way before you think it’s time.
So don’t wait until it’s already happening to her to bring up the subject.
If your daughter asks questions about menstruation, answer them openly and honestly."
There are lots of hormonal changes to look forward to (or dread).
We’re talking body odor, breasts, hips, sexual thoughts and feelings and more.
What products can she choose from?
Trot out some of the products you use, and talk about each one.
Show her products like tampons with and without applicator, and even eco-friendly options likea menstrual cup.
What about hygiene?
Asking open-ended questions (like ‘how are you feeling about all this?')
is also a good way to open up the lines of communication.
Dr. Ross suggests buying “intimate non-fragrant soaps… that won’t cause infections or dryness.”
you’ve got the option to also talk to her about deodorant and special facial soaps for acne.
Cater the conversation to what your daughter is going through.
If you are unashamed, your daughter will hopefully copy your attitude!
Above all, she’ll still be herself
Tell your little lady to listen up.
Getting her period doesn’t mean she has to suddenly become “a woman now.”
Menstruating doesn’t mean your childhood is over!
Remind your daughter that having a period is her own journey, and just one part of growing up.
