Ever fear that conversatio with your little girl about her “visitor” or “the little friend” or “Auntie Flo”? Don’t worry, it’s perfectly normal. Although I have a son (thank GOD), I do have nieces and I’m sure that one day, they’ll want to hear my advice on getting their period.
I found some tips at www.mayoclinic.com and here are just a few that I thought to share:
Don’t plan a single tell-all discussion. Instead, talk about the various issues — from basic hygiene to fear of the unknown — in a series of short conversations. Consider it part of a continuing conversation on how the human body works. Remember, your daughter needs good information about the menstrual cycle and all the other changes that puberty brings. If her friends are her only source of information, she may hear some nonsense and take it for fact.
To introduce the subject of menstruation, you might ask your daughter what she knows about puberty. Clarify any misinformation and ask what questions she might have. It may be helpful to time your conversations with the health lessons and sex education your daughter is receiving in school — or you could broach the subject before a routine doctor’s appointment. You can tell your daughter that the doctor may ask her whether she’s gotten her period yet. Then ask if she has any questions or concerns about menstruation.
To introduce the subject of menstruation, you might ask your daughter what she knows about puberty. Clarify any misinformation and ask what questions she might have. It may be helpful to time your conversations with the health lessons and sex education your daughter is receiving in school — or you could broach the subject before a routine doctor’s appointment. You can tell your daughter that the doctor may ask her whether she’s gotten her period yet. Then ask if she has any questions or concerns about menstruation.
