Preparing Your Child for Their First Period

Just getting through puberty is a struggle in and of itself. Menstruation doesn’t have to be a scary experience for your daughter or son if you follow these tips, preparing your child for their first period will be easy.

It can feel like an overwhelming chore when preparing your child for their first period, but it doesn’t have to be. Make the transition to your new adolescent body as painless as possible by being upfront, honest, and upbeat.

1. Ask yourself whether or not you have a strong view on the subject of menstruation.

Some use words like “curses” and “suck” to describe periods in the past. There are many things to consider before telling your child about their Aunt Flo, as there is a lot of information regarding periods and fertility relevant to the chance of having a baby.

An alternative perspective is that telling a story about the typical and healthy changes your body goes through as you mature can be more effective. Furthermore, just because you’ve had a bad experience with periods in the past doesn’t guarantee your child will.

2. Make the physical details less mysterious.

It seems like there’s a steadfast belief that life is confined by having a specific time frame. Avoid thinking this is a disease: This is not a period of illness every month. 

When you get your period, the most important thing to remember is that you can do practically anything you would typically be able to do on a day when you are not pregnant. It’s critical to give youngsters that kind of agency.

Explain that this is not like any other type of bleeding that young people have seen so that they don’t have the impression that their bodies are dripping with blood. 

Make a fist-sized analogy with them, and have them imagine that the uterine lining is as large as their fist. 

The old blood and tissue lining are slowly expelled from their bodies as their period progresses. Blood samples taken are typically no more than three teaspoons. They quickly come to terms with the fact that three tablespoons aren’t much when they see it in a cup.

3. Examine certain menstrual products together as a group.

In addition to pads and tampons, MyLola.com sells a first-period package, as well as subscription services like this one. Then offer if she’d like to go shopping with you to see what other choices are available for safeguarding her clothing during her period.

“I know it’s hard for you to speak about this, so just so you know, I got some supplies, and they’re in the downstairs bathroom,” you can say to youngsters who are reluctant to talk about it. We can talk about it if you like, but feel free to look through it independently.

4. Learn how to use the materials and get your hands dirty.

Equipment from a bygone era can be intimidating to young people. “Is it gross?” is an unwelcome question about using sanitary pads. To many women, the thought of putting something into their bodies is horrifying. This includes educating your child on how to use a pad, how often to change it, and how to practice good personal hygiene.

Your youngster can then begin using tampons as soon as they’re ready. When teaching your child how to use a tampon, it’s up to you and your child if you want to be present.

It’s perfect for some moms to show their daughters in the restroom, but that’s not for everyone. Simply by being there, you’re sending the message that there’s nothing offensive or disturbing about the situation. The opposite side of the door is a more comfortable place for some mothers.

5. Give them the authority to manage the details.

For me, it takes three minutes to explain what a period is; however, explaining the logistics of a period. Including how to manage it, avoid being surprised, use tampons or pads, what to do when you start school, what to do if you’re in the water, and make a pad out of toilet paper when you’re short on supplies—can take up to two hours to complete.

Leaks are the most common topic of discussion in the classes I instruct. The most important lesson is to be prepared for any catastrophes. Periods are a shock to the system when you’re a teenager.

As an emergency kit, people can store a clean pair of underwear, a few additional pads, and a couple of pants in a small pouch in their backpacks. It’s time to let kids know that they can stop worrying about menstruation ever again.

6. If they don’t have any symptoms, don’t worry about it!

Keep your list of items that might make some people uncomfortable short and sweet. Mood swings, bloating, and cramping are all genuine side effects of menopause.

These issues should be dealt with as soon as they develop. The question, “Are you feeling queasy?” should be asked if your child has just had their period and is experiencing stomach discomfort. You could be experiencing cramping. If that’s what you feel, then yes. Address it in context, identify the symptoms, and provide the necessary resources to address them.

7. Involve your male friends in the discussion.

Involving dads can take on a variety of forms. For those who never went through puberty but have done practically everything else on the list—gaining height, gaining weight, getting pimples, and having new hair—they’ve done it all. Additionally, we want our kids to confide in their father about forgetting tampons without fear of being judged.

In addition, don’t forget to talk about periods with lads. Let’s talk to our sons about periods in a way that normalizes them to alter the world.

8. Instilling the importance of sticking up for one another in our children is a responsibility we must take seriously.

It’s important to emphasize to our youngsters that they are all on the same team. Mishaps and leaks are expected when they go through their menstrual cycle. If you see it in someone else, stand by them, even if they aren’t a good friend of your own. Get someone to do something for you that you would like them to do.

9. Remind your child that other individuals go through their periods, as well.

I know it’s apparent, but I think it’s worth noting. Athletes competing in the Olympics go through phases.

 Astronauts, musicians, writers, professors, and other family members and friends exemplify people who excel in their fields. Because you’re a human being, participating in that story is a good thing.

Helpful related articles: Periods And Their Complications For Teenagers, A Guide To Helping Your Tween Tracking Period Arrival Dates, Would You Host a Period Party for Your Daughter