When your daughter gets her first period, you can make sure that you are there for her and
support her in every possible way. Usually, the first period occurs at 12 to 13 years, but some
girls get it earlier or later. It is best to educate your daughter before the first period so that she
knows what to expect.
Nonetheless, there are a few things that you can do to help her with the transition.
1. Stay Calm as a Parent
Your daughter has just got her first period. She will be stressed and confused. With so many
questions and doubts in her mind, the last thing she needs is an embarrassed, stressed or
uncomfortable parent. Present a calm front and let your daughter know that she should not
worry about the new development.
2. Show Her How to Manage the Periods
Guide her on how to fit the sanitary pads and liners inside the underwear. During the initial few
days or months, you might have to do this for her. Gradually, she will pick it up with training.
Tell her that she needs to change the pad every two to four hours, depending on the flow. Also,
explain to her about the menstrual hygiene she should follow.
3. Introduce Her to V-Cut Panties
Many tweens and teens wear bloomers. These are fine as long as your daughter does not get
her first period. Bloomer panties are not designed to hold sanitary pads, and your daughter will
find it difficult to keep the pad in place. So, the moment your daughter gets her first period, it is
time to introduce her to V-cut panties.
Of course, it is a new type of panty, and your daughter may reject it with the emotional
upheaval that she is experiencing. However, explain to her that these panties are designed to
provide a snug fit, which means the sanitary will not shift. In fact, you can switch to V-cut
panties by the time they turn 9 or 10 years old.
4. Buy Period Panties
Buy a couple of period panties, which are designed to soak up menstrual blood. These panties
look like regular panties but are made from moisture-absorbing fabric. It has multiple layers of
microfiber and keeps the skin dry.
Your daughter can wear it with or without a pad, depending on the flow. However, it would be
good to change the period panty every 10-12 hours for hygiene reasons if your daughter takes
them without a sanitary pad. Period panties, if taken with a sanitary pad, also reduce the risk of
staining the clothes.
5. Involve the Men of the House
While fathers have never had periods, they have gone through puberty and experienced
physical changes. Let the father know that his daughter has had her first period. If he and the
daughter feel comfortable, they can talk about it. Let him tell the daughter that it is normal and
nothing to be embarrassed about. So, there is no need to be secretive.
If you have sons, you can educate them by talking about periods and what happens to a girl’s
body. That way, it will normalize periods in your household, and it will not be treated as a taboo
topic.
6. Respect Her Privacy
If your daughter doesn’t want friends and family members to know that she has got her first
period, you should respect her wishes. Do not go behind her back. You can explain to her that it
is completely normal and every woman, including you, gets periods. So, she should not feel
ashamed or embarrassed.
7. Provide Her Logical and Honest Explanations
Use this opportunity to de-mystify periods. Explain to her that her life will not be limited during
the days she has her periods. She can do everything she wants to do like any other day. It will
empower her and clear some of the myths she may have read online or discussed with her
friends.
She might have umpteen questions on her mind – answer them honestly without beating
around the bush.
8. Buy Period Book – Menstrupedia
Menstrupedia is a comic book that will help your daughter get her answers about periods and
her body. This award-winning book educates girls (and parents) about menstrual cycles, bodily
changes during puberty, and sanitary pads. It also provides tips for pain relief and hygiene
practices.
Hope these tips will help you to prepare your daughter for this new phase in life!
