Preparing Your Daughter for Her First Period

Puberty can be an anxious time for teens and tweens as the body transitions towards adulthood, capable of sexual reproduction. This is especially true for girls regarding their first menstrual cycle (period). It is best for parents to explain what will happen during a girl’s first period and why. This should be done during a private verbal discussion and should be done often so that the child feels comfortable discussing this topic and feels free to ask questions. Girls will typically feel more comfortable discussing this topic with their mother than their father, although this can vary depending on the family dynamics.

In addition to private discussions, it is also a good idea to purchase your daughter a book(s) on menstrual cycles that is written in a manner designed to explain this new bodily change to a tween and teenage audience. You can sit down and read through the book with your child and/or leave the book for your child to read by herself.

A major part of the anxiety for girls about their first period is the anticipation of what it will feel like and how to deal with the bleeding aspect. It is best to explain that there can be some cramping and discomfort but to avoid making dramatic statements leading the child to believe she will be in excruciating pain. Doing so only increases the child’s anxiety further. It is important to remember that your menstrual cycle experiences will not necessarily match those of your daughter.

To prepare for the bleeding aspect, it is good to have early discussions about the use of protective personal pads and tampons. Make your child feel more comfortable by placing a layer of protective padding over her mattress so she can go to sleep at night without having to worry about staining the bed.

Girls typically are rightfully concerned about social embarrassment and discomfort if they have their first period or a heavy subsequent period in a social situation such as school, a sporting event, or summer camp. Fortunately, this is where proper underwear for your teens comes in very useful because it is designed to be leak proof. This means that your daughter can relax and focus at school and have fun with her friends without having to worry about walking around with stained clothes. Please be sure to share these helpful tips with other moms and dads.