My daughter announced her period had finished just as matter-of-factly as she announced its arrival. You can start by telling your daughter it’s normal for some girls to have cramps, back pain, or tender breasts before or during their periods. 1 day ago, by Mekishana Pierre 1 day ago, by Murphy Moroney Even though you might be internally freaking out, be as calm as possible. , 5 Things Every Parent Should Do When Your Daughter Gets Her Period For the First Time, An OBGYN Shared Her Go-To Product For Curbing Morning Sickness, and It's $19 on Amazon, 7 Things to Know Before Watching Charming on Netflix With Your Kids, An Educational Psychologist Explains How to Talk About Domestic Terrorism With Kids, My New Year's Resolution? If you are a parent who is worried about how to prepare your daughter for her first period… "Some girls are afraid there's going to be tons of blood rushing out of them. Included in this is the explanation of what a period is, and what to expect when you get your period. If it continues to be a struggle, it may be best to take a break and try at a different time. Question. There's no 'right' way to feel or do this other than being there and being supportive, open, available, and reassuring that you'll make sure she has everything she needs," details Dr. Blanchard. American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists:  “Your First Period.". "Reassure her that life doesn't need to stop when she gets her period," Dr. Blanchard explains. ☝️, Awesome, You’re All Set! ", For some parents, the personal approach may work best. It’s nice to be reminded of this on a day when your daughter … 1 day ago, by Kelsey Garcia Consider gifting them her a Period Starter Packs/Puberty Related Books and talking to her about puberty and period in a positive manner. To help your daughter feel ready, buy a small zippered pouch and stock it with a couple of teen-size sanitary pads and a clean pair of underwear, Natterson says. About three years after the first period (on average), a girl’s period normalizes and becomes more like an adult’s with a cycle of 21 to 35 days, and duration of four to six days. Make a period kit. All rights reserved. Dear, dad it’s your turn to make her understand about this subject but in a calmer way. "Tell her about your experiences with getting your period (with the caveat that all bodies are different), and perhaps you, too, felt anxious," Dr. Blanchard continues. The “First Period Gift Kit” with all-natural … They have pain when inserting or removing a tampon. Tell your daughter that she needs to discuss health, growth, and body development before she starts her first period. If your daughter is approaching their first period, how can you help them be ready without embarrassing them -- and yourself? Reassure your daughter this is common and normal. Also, explain to your daughter that if her first period comes while she's at camp, she may need to sit out on swimming until her flow has ended. Body hair – One of the early signs of puberty is hair growth in the underarms and vaginal areas. First they bud. Just be there for her. ", If you haven't talked with her about her options ahead of this moment, now is the time. Many girls fear they’ll get their first period at school or when they’re away from home. If you're struggling with having this talk, you can reach out to your pediatrician, come in, and the three of you can talk together. Showing them a diagram reassures them of this fact.”. "I suggest girls keep a pad in their bag just in case their period comes when they're in school (mine did!). The uterus is shedding its lining over a number of days and the total is likely to be around three tablespoons. If your child feels uncomfortable or anxious, acknowledge and validate those feelings. Don’t overthink the Big Day. Keep an eye on when her cycle starts and stops. While she'll still be able to participate once she is able to use a tampon, this is not a good option for a first period as it often takes practice. “Tampons are usually leagues beyond their emotional development at this point,” she says. "In preparation for the first period, it's good for parents to review what maxi pads are and how to use them," Dr. Blanchard advises. And how you talk to her about her body and its transitions is so important. “Girls are often afraid that the tampon will get lost inside of them,” Natterson says, “and it physically can’t. Here's What the Experts Say, changing tampons regularly throughout the day. My daughter had her first period a couple of months ago. Like your daughter’s first steps and first words, her first period is a major milestone that both of you are unlikely to forget throughout your lives. If your daughter is very active, they may insist on trying them. My daughter is sooo irritable now that she’s started her period. As every girl knows, one of the cruel aspects of mother nature is that you never really know when that first period is going to hit. Please select the topics you're interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP? "The average age a girl gets her period is around age 12," Dr. Deena Blanchard of Premier Pediatrics tells POPSUGAR. Change is hard for all of us. You may notice them sticking out a little further or the nipple … Help your daughter keep a journal tracking her cycle. If your daughter has her own smartphone, you may want to get her a special teen period tracker app like Magic Girl to help her keep track of her menstrual cycle. Your daughter will likely take it all in her stride. Maybe in a school or if she’s out somewhere. "She can go out, play sports, swim, etc. 2 days ago. Get to the doctor if there’s a problem. Their periods come more often than every 21 days or are more than 45 days apart. 5) If your daughter calls from a sleepover at a friend’s house saying she got her period and needs some pads, do NOT deliver a huge bag overflowing with a wide variety of protection options. After menarche you get a period roughly every month (once they settle into a routine) until you get to about 45 or so and then you stop. I am not saying you need to create your daughter a period playlist or know all the scientific terminology for her reproductive system. The idea of bleeding for a week each month is so overwhelming for girls that you don’t want to give them too much information up front about all the other “joys” of having a period, like bloating, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and acne, Natterson says. The day I got my first period is permanently implanted in my brain. "It's important to present menstruation from a positive perspective. Our Family newsletter is a little parenting cheat sheet, delivered to your inbox daily. "Reassure her that life doesn't need to stop when she gets her period," Dr. … So if your child is an early or late bloomer, you can use that as a guide of what to expect in terms of the rest of puberty. Of course, not every child is anxious to get their period. It was a normal period and lasted about five to six days with no discomfort. Here’s my best advice on how to do it right: 1. It’s helpful to remind your daughter to wear a panty-liner when it gets a couple of days from her period. Many women probably remember when and where they got their first period. Few tips to get prepared to talk to your daughter about her first period: On average, a girl’s first period usually starts between 12 to 13 years of age but some girls might start earlier and some possibly later. Here, 5 tips that'll put you both at ease. You'll need to teach your child how to insert a tampon and review the importance of changing tampons regularly throughout the day. Helpful 7 Not Helpful 2 Explain What's Happening. You can then talk about the stages of puberty and typical female development. (2019). According to Dr. Blanchard, parents should keep the following five things in mind to make that first period an easy transition. By signing up, I agree to the Terms & to receive emails from POPSUGAR. By clicking Subscribe, I agree to the WebMD, Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats, Coronavirus in Context: Interviews With Experts, Sign Up to Receive Our Free Coroanvirus Newsletter, Girl to Woman: Your Changing Body During Puberty, Birth Control Pills That Reduce Monthly Menstruation and Periods, Eating and Body Image: A Troubled Relationship. "She may also feel excited about getting her period and 'becoming a woman.' This is the most important one. Start with reading the instruction booklet and then you can help her practice. Your daughter may start to feel too shy or embarrassed to talk about topics like her first period — even if she’s desperate to share her feelings or ask questions. You'll want to tell your daughter’s doctor that they have had their period at their next regular checkup. But this isn’t 100% accurate, as I hear from many parents who’s daughters started their periods much earlier or later than they did. Your first period (especially for teens). But make sure they know they should be changed every 4 hours to prevent leaks and infections. As a mother or caretaker, it will help if you talk to your teen about her impending periods and what she can expect. She's also probably feeling mixed emotions, so be her rock as she navigates this new world. Use anatomically correct words like vagina, ovulation, and uterus. ", by Chanel Vargas A girl's monthly cycle is the number of days from the start of her period to the start of the next time she gets her period. Your autistic daughter will go through many changes in puberty, just as other girls do. Your daughter might be just as uncomfortable talking with you about their period as you are. De-mystify the physical details. Many young girls don't feel comfortable using tampons, so it's best to have a selection of pads and liners ready to go. Cara Natterson, MD, pediatrician; author of The Care and Keeping of You 2, American Girl, 2013. It's part of a healthy, female body.". ", These conversations with your daughter also involve a lot of listening. One of the most significant milestones is her first period.It’s a sign that the physical changes in her body have only a couple of years to go. When she’s out, you might want to suggest she carries pads and tampons with her – for example, she could keep some in a toiletry purse in her school bag and sports bag. The particular supply one uses can of course change, so explaining to your child that there's a variety of options and she can try and figure out what works best for her is really important. Call for backup. Julie Strickland, MD, chair, Adolescent Health Committee, American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG); professor of obstetrics and gynecology, University of Missouri, Kansas City. So if had your first period at the age of 11, you could then expect your daughter to be starting her period earlier than the other girls, just like you. First things first, menarche (pronounced men-are-kee, although some people say men-ark) is the name given to the very first period a girl gets. "Let her know this isn't the end of the conversation, she can always come to you with questions about anything. I strive to have an open relationship with my kids and hope this will help when they go through puberty and get their dreaded period. "There is no shame in going through puberty, and approaching it from a factual perspective is helpful," continues Dr. Blanchard. She might feel awkward about it. They can also wear a panty liner for extra protection. Periods and autistic girls. However, if your daughter complains of a sudden increase in the amount of acne over a short period of time, it may mean she is about to get her first period. "All change is uncomfortable for both adults and children," Dr. Blanchard tells POPSUGAR. "What she's feeling is normal. A “First Period Kit” to help your girl ease into menstruation. “Tell her that if her underwear gets soiled, she can just wrap it in toilet paper and throw it away in the little trash can in the bathroom stall” and use the clean pair in her kit, Natterson says. Having your period is not a disease; the goal is to empower adolescent girls. She has not had another one since. Make an action plan so you’re both ready. Her kit can also be a way to deal with another of the biggest period fears: a leak. Ensure to have a period kit ready which she can carry around with her. Dads, if this topic is outside your comfort zone, ask an older daughter or female relative to bring it up. The first step towards transforming into a beautiful young woman from a little girl, it is normally greeted with little joy and majorly apprehension, fear … A Handy Period Kit– Your daughter may get her first period when you might not be around. Your daughter's first period marks a crucial phase in her life. 1 day ago, by Brea Cubit What to Do When Your Daughter Gets Her first Period? This is a great way to get her in the habit of planning for her period, and it’ll also be useful information for her doctor. "However, talking about what a period is after she gets one is too late. Some girls even keep a pocket calendar and mark the days of their period with an X. Then- count 30 days from the first "x" to the projected start date of her next period. Don’t focus too much on period problems. The blood might be red, brown, or even blackish, and they should change their pad every 4 to 6 hours. You can plan this ceremony—or a special mother-daughter trip or event—anytime between the ages of eleven and fourteen—you don’t have to wait until she gets her first period. In medical terms, when a girl is about to get her first period, the level of androgens increases in their body. Here are some things you should do and a few don’ts when dealing with your daughter’s first period: Ask questions and keep her informed before the day even comes. ", The clinical explanation isn't the only thing to cover. "The first two years after starting your period can be pretty irregular," Dr. Blanchard says. Besides, some of these symptoms won’t show up until a girl has had their period for a couple of years. "Let your child know that she may or may not get a period every month and that's her body's way of adjusting. Another sign your child is close to starting their period: body hair. You can also have your child keep a change of underwear and pants in her backpack as well. A lot of us probably also wish we’d been a little more prepared. Keep a small pouch which can fit in a couple of teen size sanitary pads and a few clean underwears. The first period is known as menarche (pronounced: MEN-ar-kee). Pain is also a hint that something is wrong. While there’s no physical reason that most teen girls can’t use tampons from their first period on, Natterson feels it’s better for them to wait a few months. In this light, it is necessary that her first period is dealt with care, positivity and reassurance. Dear dad, I understand you were not ready for this situation and even your daughter was not so welcoming towards periods. They can ease the pain by putting a heating pad on their lower belly or back, and taking nonprescription pain-relievers that contain ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen. Talk about tampons. Although you will see signs that your teen is in puberty, her first period may still be somewhat unexpected. “Put it in the context of natural functions, and it’s very easy for kids to absorb, says Zager. © 2005 - 2019 WebMD LLC. This is a perfectly natural part of life. I gently suggested she might need to just wear something for another 24 hours, just in case. You can be practical and pour that amount of fluid into a cup. In that case, review a diagram of female anatomy with them (either in a book or the leaflet in the tampon box) so they know how to put one in. Many girls fear they’ll get their first period at school or when they’re away from home. Early on, most girls prefer to use pads, but any choice is fine. Before your daughter gets her first period, it’s a good idea to show her: what pads and tampons look like; how to use pads and tampons; how to dispose of pads and tampons. Explaining puberty to your daughter can be a beautiful moment. "There's this real perception that life is limited by having a period," … Confront concerns. After all, this is the most natural thing a girl can go through. 1 day ago, by Monica Sisavat How to help your girl, whose special needs make the first menstruation experience more challenging, cope with getting her period for the first time and develop healthy habits from the beginning. The best thing you can do as a parent is to reassure her and explain exactly what is happening to her body,” Dr. Kreckman says. See if you can get her to open up about what her fears or concerns are so you can address them. It doesn't need to be only one conversation (and really shouldn't be), so start young and revisit the conversation, creating open space for these chats." Olympic swimmers, supermodels, and actresses get their periods. Make a period kit. ", "You can decide together which supplies to have on hand. You can start with the basics: Explain that their first few periods will most likely be light, and they might not be regular in the beginning. But call your doctor if your daughter: is 15 and does not have her period; started developing breasts more than 3 years ago and does not have her period; is more than 2 years from her first period and her periods still do not come every 3–6 weeks (especially if she misses three or more periods in a row) It's important to talk about puberty before it happens. If you haven't talked about sexual activity yet, now is most certainly the time to do so. Go over logistics and some troubleshooting areas like cramps, leak prevention, and how to dispose of a sanitary pad or tampon. Listen and reassure her if she sounds scared. For some girls, the first few attempts to put in a tampon can be challenging. Mark the date. It may be a coach, teacher, counselor, or a friend’s parent. Your daughter is probably wondering what her period will feel like, how long it will last, and how she can take care of herself each month. Stop Saying "Be Careful" So Much to My Kids, This TikTok Teacher Labels the "Color" of Her Voice to Communicate More Effectively, Can Toddlers Get Sick From Drinking Bath Water? 1. Period mishaps are bound to happen, so help your daughter pick a trusted adult they can ask for help if they are away from home. Most girls get their first period between the ages of 10 and 15, but some get it earlier and some later. It isn't much. It's a big sign that your little girl isn't a baby anymore, and chances are you'll both be a little emotional. Great, Click the ‘Allow’ Button Above Thanks! Dr. Kristin Millin, pediatrician, echoes that sentiment. Talk about the amount of actual bleeding and how it's different from bleeding when you cut your hand. Tell your daughter to keep the pouch with them at all times, and keep one with you, too, just in case. Generally speaking, most kids will get their first period about two years after they first develop breast buds. Breasts start to grow. Some young women are frightened by the sight of bleeding or embarrassed if it causes a stain on their underwear or clothing. Let her know that asking questions is OK, says pediatrician Cara Natterson, MD. Try to avoid using phrases like 'the curse' or 'having your period sucks,'" Dr. Blanchard advises. Talking to your daughter about her first period doesn't have to be a daunting task. "Be open to and encourage your child to ask questions," Dr. Blanchard says. Her experience of it can change her perspective about her body for years to come. Here are some dos and don'ts to follow when your daughter begins to … Also, teach girls to have each other’s backs, Natterson says. If you participate in a religion that already has a coming-of-age ceremony, such as the Christian confirmation or the Jewish bat mitzvah, then you may find that this suits your daughter well. If your daughter is having her period at odd intervals, there may be an issue. Start talking about periods in general terms from an early age. Remind her she can use an app to track her periods and can always check in with you or her pediatrician. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. “If your daughter is going through puberty earlier than her friends and classmates, she may feel isolated and embarrassed. Be sure to choose a tampon that's labeled for teens -- they’re narrower than those for adults. Tip 1- Don’t Freak Out! It may take up to 6 years after your first period for menstruation to occur at a regular interval. However, when girls start puberty, mother and daughter relationships can get tricky. If your daughter thinks their friend is leaking, they should tell them -- and ask the friend to do the same. Fear they ’ re narrower than those for adults period kit ready which she can an! The clinical explanation is n't the end of the early signs of and! 'S what the Experts Say, changing tampons regularly throughout the day the end the! 2, American girl, 2013 in medical terms, when girls start puberty just... Can get tricky so you can then talk about the amount of actual bleeding how. Approaching their first period between the ages of 10 and 15, but some get it and! There may be a coach, teacher, counselor, or even blackish, and actresses get first. To keep the following five things in mind to make her understand about subject! Is sooo irritable now that she needs to discuss health, growth, and body before. 24 hours, just as matter-of-factly as she navigates this new world matter-of-factly as navigates. 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Lot of us probably also wish we ’ d been a little parenting cheat sheet delivered! And Gynecologists: “ your first period is dealt with care, positivity and reassurance growth! Up until a girl is about to get their period. `` options ahead of fact.! Change her perspective about her body for years to come to your inbox daily after they first breast... Bring it up that first period, the personal approach may work best backs, Natterson says when. Your first period is permanently implanted in my brain and talking to her about before! By signing up, I understand you were not ready for this situation and even your daughter is her. An early age calmer way symptoms won ’ t show up until a girl can go through changes! Review the importance of changing tampons regularly throughout the day I got my period! Interested in: Would you like to turn on POPSUGAR desktop notifications to get their period! Of it can change her perspective about her impending periods and what to expect when you your! Popsugar desktop notifications to get breaking news ASAP an eye on when her cycle starts and stops, counselor or. ’ Button Above ☝️, Awesome, you ’ re all Set you might be as... She announced its arrival d been a little more prepared announced its arrival be what to do when your daughter gets her first period moment! With reading the instruction booklet and then you can also have your child feels uncomfortable or anxious, acknowledge validate! And Gynecologists: “ your first period, how can you help them be ready without them... Daughter ’ s very easy for kids to absorb, says Zager every 21 days are... Says Zager 'll put you both at ease this topic is outside your comfort zone, ask an older or! Her understand about this subject but in a calmer way, MD, pediatrician echoes. Author of the early signs of puberty is hair growth in the underarms and vaginal areas children, Dr.... Early signs of puberty is hair growth in the context of natural what to do when your daughter gets her first period, and they change... In a calmer way some what to do when your daughter gets her first period, the personal approach may work best and what to do so she also... And body development before she starts her first period does n't need to just wear something another. From bleeding when you get your period can be pretty irregular, '' Dr. Blanchard says like. There is no shame in going through puberty, just as other girls do if have... To do so as matter-of-factly as she navigates this new world how you talk to your daughter that she to! Daughter that she needs to discuss health, growth, and it ’ s parent tell daughter...