Your Daughter’s First Period: How to Help Her be Prepared

Some throw a party. Others have a puja. And some prefer to keep it quiet. But no matter how your culture welcomes the onset of menstruation, the most important aspect is to ensure that your daughter is prepared for it. Mothers know best and we at Stay Sure have taken a page out of their books to prepare this guide on how you can help your daughter prepare for her first period.

Explain Puberty & the Changes That It Comes With:  Though most children may learn about this from peers and other sources, it is important for parents to give them the correct information. A first period is not just about that time of the month. It is accompanied by other physical and emotional changes as well. Explain to your daughter the changes she can expect in her body and the fact that these changes are absolutely normal. This doesn’t need to happen over one serious conversation. It could be mentioned every once in a while. You need to see which approach will make your child feel most comfortable.

Clarify Concerns:  While a girl’s first period can be a source of celebration, for the young girl it could also be a cause of concern. Doubts arise about what exactly is happening and why? How it feels? What to do if it starts unexpectedly? One of the most important things a parent needs to do in order to prepare his/her child for their first period is to answer these concerns. A child may not raise these concerns directly but it is up to the parent to bring them up in conversation.

Show Her How to Handle Her Period: Even before menstruation begins you can show your daughter how to use a pad, how to dispose it, teach her basic menstrual hygiene and teach her how to track her periods. Show her the various kinds of pads available. For example, at Stay Sure we have all sizes for all kinds of flow from XXL right to panty liners. As her period begins to settle down she will be able to choose which pad suits her best. Initially, the flow maybe irregular and light but despite this she needs to change her pad at least once every 4 to 6 hours. She can use Stay Sure’s online period calculator to keep track of her cycle. She can start carrying a pad and fresh underwear in her bag so she isn’t caught unaware.

Focus on the Positive:  Menstruation can be a painful time for most women. Cramps, bloating, mood swings etc. are all a part and parcel of it. However, most often these symptoms are only felt a few years after the first period. While you can let your daughter know that she might feel some physical discomfort, it is best not to scare her with these symptoms. Instead focus on the positive and how she is now transforming into a woman.

Stay Calm: Some girls begin menstruating earlier than others. Some girls have slightly different flows, symptoms etc. If you are concerned about your daughters’ menstruation, don’t let your concern show when she has just started her first period. Instead be positive and encouraging. You can separately speak to a doctor and clarify all your queries. Similarly, if you think your daughters’ first period is unusually delayed speak to your doctor to rule out any medical problems. But whatever you do stay calm when your daughter begins her first period.

Create a Supportive Environment: Inform other family members about your daughters first period so they can be sensitive towards her. The women in the family may share with her their first experiences as well. Apart from that the men should be aware as well. Take care to inform younger siblings about the need for privacy and sensitivity. They too need to be understanding.

It’s Okay Not to Know: Children are known to stump parents with their questions. And when it comes to talking about periods parents often feel pressure about getting it all right and tackling unexpected questions. As a parent, you need to know that you don’t have to have all the answers. Just share your experiences and existing knowledge. If your daughter asks you a question you don’t have the answer to, use it as an opportunity to learn something new together.

At Stay Sure, we want your daughters transition to womanhood to be as smooth and pleasant as possible.