The first period talk is always the hardest one to initiate. Nonetheless, it’s important for you — as a mother — to inform your daughter about what’s going to happen to her body before her first period starts. If you’re looking for ways to make the conversation easier, you’ve come to the right place for answers. 

Here’s how moms can help with their daughter’s menstrual health:

Keep Your Opinions In Check

Every woman’s period experience is different. So, who’s to say that your daughter’s experience will be similar to yours? When talking about periods with your daughter, it’s best to keep your opinions in check, lest you give her the wrong idea. 

When talking about periods, women tend to throw around the words “painful” and “cursed” carelessly. While it’s true that periods can often be painful and uncomfortable, you mustn’t make your daughter feel like they’ve gotten the short end of the stick. 

As a mother, it’s your responsibility to help your daughter blossom into a proud and confident woman. Part of that is accepting their body and its quirks as they come. So, instead of telling them that periods will be painful and uncomfortable, explain to them why that’s so and help them find ways to work through the experience.

Prepare a Period Kit

It’s not uncommon for girls to get their period while in school or on a field trip. Preparing a period kit for your daughter can save them from those dreaded leaks that can happen anytime, anywhere. You can use a small zippered pouch for this period kit. Stock it up with a few sanitary pads or tampons, as well as clean underwear. Remind your daughter to bring her period kit whenever she goes out of the house. 

Some teens may develop skin concerns as a symptom of their period. A few examples are clogged pores and breakouts. To help your daughter, provide them with the following skincare items:

• A gentle nonsoap cleanser
• Glycolic acid pads
• OTC benzoyl peroxide spot treatment
• OTC salicylic acid product
• Tea tree oil

These products can help reduce the appearance of breakouts, leaving your daughter with healthier, smoother skin. 

De-mystify Period Concerns

Your daughter is having her period for the first time — expect that she’ll have more than a dozen questions to ask you. For example, she may want to know how long her period will last, what steps she needs to take to care of herself, and what symptoms could she possibly go through in the process. 

Here’s what you want to share with your daughter:

Tell her that for the first few times she gets her period, her flow will likely be light. Her blood will look red, brown, or even black; however, there shouldn’t be any need for concern. 

Remind her to change her pads or tampons every four to six hours, for good hygiene. Additionally, if she feels any pain and discomfort, advise her to go to the school clinic and ask the nurse for some period pain medication. 

Discuss Mood Changes

Most women experience mood changes during or a few days before their period. These mood changes can range from mild irritability to severe depression. While your daughter is unlikely to feel any severe mood swings during her first few periods, you should still let them know about what they could potentially feel. 

Getting help from a professional can make the conversation about period-related mood changes go more smoothly for everyone. Contact your family physician and schedule an appointment for you and your daughter. 

Teach Them About Period Tracking

Girls don’t learn about period tracking until they’re well into their teens. Yet, young girls need to know how to track their periods, so they can spot irregularities in their cycle and get help earlier, if necessary. 

You can use a calendar, an app, or a period diary to teach your daughter about period tracking. 

Normally, periods last around three to seven days for each cycle. On average, periods occur 25 to 35 days from each other. In some cases, this may go up to 45 days. If this happens, it’s best to consult your physician to determine what could possibly be causing this delay. 

Discussing Periods to Children with Special Needs

Children with special needs may have a harder time understanding periods compared to other children. For parents caring for children with learning disabilities, the following tips can help ease the process for everyone. 

Break It Down Into Small Chunks

Talks of menstruation can be overwhelming to someone with a learning disability. Instead of trying to explain to your child everything about periods in one conversation, break the topic down into several chunks. 

For example, you can begin by explaining what sanitary pads and tampons are for. Show your daughter how it’s used and how it’s discarded. Next, try and explain why periods happen. Tell them about the symptoms they might feel and how they can deal with them. 

It will take more than one conversation before your daughter fully understands the concept. So, have patience and try not to overwhelm your daughter with details.

Use the Appropriate Scientific Terms

While you might be tempted to use words like “flower” or “cookie” when referring to your daughter’s vagina, you must teach them the proper terms for their body parts. This can help your special needs child avoid confusion and frustration down the road. Undoubtedly, you will feel uncomfortable in the beginning; however, that’s part of being a parent. 

Remind Them That It’s Normal

Her first period might make your special needs child feel like they’re different or strange. Remind them that periods are a normal part of being a woman. This will reassure them that there’s nothing wrong with what’s happening to their bodies. 

Final Thoughts

A girl’s first period is such an important milestone in her life. Having someone to help them through this life-changing experience can improve their relationship with themselves and the people around them. 

For all the mothers out there who are feeling anxious about talking to their daughters about periods for the first time — you’re not alone. The tips above should help make the topic much easier for you and your daughter to tackle together.