- According to the UNICEF website, the lack of early preparation makes the girl feel extremely ashamed and lost
- A simple and calm conversation while walking is the best way to familiarize yourself with such an important topic without building unnecessary tension.
- Research confirms that sudden breast development and a rapid growth spurt are the first clear signals of a child’s approaching menstruation
- A discreet bag of sanitary pads in a school backpack gives the student a sense of security every day
Why is a girl’s first period so fearful? We explain
First period can be a huge shock for a child, especially when it comes by surprise. Many girls, seeing blood on their underwear, panic and think that something bad is happening to them, or even that they are seriously ill. This fear simply comes from ignorance and the feeling of loneliness in a new situation.
As we can read on the UNICEF website, lack of proper preparation makes the child feel ashamed and lost. That’s why it’s so important to talk about menstruation well in advance, before it even appears. Thanks to this, our daughter will understand that this is a completely natural process and a sign that her body is developing properly.
See also:
How to start a difficult conversation about periods with your child? Simple ways
It is worth choosing a quiet moment when you are not in a hurry and have time just for yourself, for example while walking together or sitting comfortably on the couch. It’s a good idea to simply ask if my daughter has already heard something about menstruation at school or from friends. It’s a good idea to be direct, using common words like blood or vagina, and avoid calling the condition something dirty. It’s good to give your child space to ask questions, listen carefully and never judge their concerns. If we don’t know the answer to a question, it’s best to just say we’ll check it out and get back to the topic, and then keep our word.
What symptoms predict a teenager’s first period?
Changes in a girl’s body do not happen overnight. The first sign is usually the development of breasts, which begins even two or three years before the first period, often around the age of eight. Soon after, pubic hair appears, which is the next stage of growing up.
Just before the first period, mood swings, facial acne and a sudden growth spurt may occur. You will also notice white or yellow discharge on your daughter’s panties, and sometimes the child may complain of abdominal pain. This is the perfect time to remind your daughter that symptoms before period are completely normal and there is no reason to worry.
A practical school layette for the first period. What to buy
It is worth making sure that our daughter has a small, discreet bag in her backpack in case her period surprises her during a break. It is a good idea to include in such a school hygiene kit:
- absorbent pads or comfortable menstrual panties
- a spare pair of clean underwear
- wet wipes for intimate hygiene
- regular painkillers
Such a handy set will make the girl feel much more confident and safe every day. She will know that in case of an emergency, she will simply go to the school toilet and she will be able to handle the whole situation herself without unnecessary stress.
Sources
- UNICEF South Asia — ‘How to support your daughter with her first period’ () (https://www.unicef.org/rosa/stories/how-support-your-daughter-her-first-period)
- UNICEF Parenting () (https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/talking-about-periods-at-home)
- Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) – Period Education Guide, Section 4: Period Hygiene Products () (https://www.ohsu.edu/sites/default/files/2024-05/Period%20Education%20Guide%20Section%204.Period%20Hygiene%20Products.pdf)
- Mayo Clinic Press () (https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/parenting/signs-your-child-is-about-to-start-their-first-period/)
See the gallery: Every child dreamed of these gadgets in the 1990s!
