TALKING
TO YOUNG GIRLS ABOUT MENSTRUATION
by
Tania K. Cowling
Girls
need to know about menstruation well before menarche (the first
menstrual period) occurs. Too many parents wait until a girl is a
certain age, say twelve, to discuss the subject, not realizing that
many normal girls may begin their menstrual periods as early as age
nine or ten. And yet, a girl can be as old as sixteen and just starting
menarche; ages vary. At the onset of puberty, there are signs such
as breast development and pubic hair growth; girls have special needs
and we have to be aware of them. They are excited, scared, and wondering
about the FIRST PERIOD. We need to get them ready and help them through
this time in their lives. Usually schools will offer a talk to young
girls, somewhere around the 4th grade. Generally, this
is where girls get their first contact with the word menstruation.
They will have questions, although they may be hesitant to ask them
in a classroom setting. As a parent, do you know how to approach this
first talk?
OPEN
THE DISCUSSION:
If
you can discuss menstruation comfortably, youĦre off to a good start.
Research indicates that girls benefit when adults see their own menstruation
as healthy and normal. Mothers, especially, can openly share their
own experiences and offer emotional support. Reassure your daughter
that it is natural and that it doesnĦt have to keep her from her normal
activities. While menstruation is certainly not a hygienic emergency,
this may also be a good time to discuss how she can best care for
her body with daily baths, use of a deodorant, and frequent changes
of sanitary menstrual products. ItĦs important not to embarrass or
discomfort your child when discussing these topics.
GIVE
PRACTICAL TIPS:
A
first period shouldnĦt be scary or confusing. Prepare your daughter
with some facts and pictures. For a complete discussion of the biology
of menstruation and the physical changes associated with puberty refer
to reference books found in libraries or bookstores. Here are a few
topics to talk about:
- When can she expect her first period? Genetics, race, diet,
body weight, and exercise all play a role in determining this. Generally,
she can expect her first period after she begins developing breasts,
hips, waist, and pubic hair.
- The first periods are generally light! Periods
last about two to seven days. Five days is the average length of
a cycle.
- It may take several months or even years
for a girlĦs menstrual cycle to become regular! ItĦs helpful to keep
track of periods on a calendar to know when to expect the next one.
Give your child her own pocket calendar for this data.
- Prepare your daughter with her own special
supply of feminine hygiene products.
- Talk about menstrual cramping! Cramps may or may not
be a factor, but if so, they can linger for just a few hours or
for the entire length of the period. They range from mild discomfort
to painful sensations. Discuss measures with her doctor about pain
relief.
- Talk about what to do about accidents. No need to fret, it
happens to everyone. Soak period-stained panties in cold water before
washing. Hot water only sets the stain.
- Always consult a doctor if periods are unusually
heavy, too irregular or painful.
When
the big day arrives and your daughter walks up to you and says,
Mom, I got my
period. Give her a big hug, tell
her you love her, and ask if she is feeling OK. Sometimes we get so
caught up in the fact that this is the first time, happy that she
is growing up, sad that she is no longer a child, we just plain forget
that she might not be feeling great. Comfort her with your time!