How to Help Girls Deal With Their First Period

Girls are getting their period around the age of 10, so plan your talk before that age.

Getting your first period is a milestone in a preteen girl's life. It can be an overwhelming, embarrassing and confusing experience, if the young girl is not prepared for what will happen. The cramps, bloating, tender breasts are all symptoms of a premenstrual girl. Have an open conversation explaining what will happen and how life will just continue on. Encourage the young lady to ask questions and reassure her that she will be able to continue participating in sports, dancing and any other activity that interests her.

Things You'll Need

• Sanitary napkin
• Tampon
• Pain reliever
• Small bag

Instructions

1. Set aside a time to have a private conversation with the preteen girl. Choose a time and a place that will allow you to be uninterrupted.

2. Bring literature such as a pamphlet from a doctor's office on menstruation. Be prepared to answer questions and come with enough information to define new terms the young girl may have such as, "What is a tampon?" Become comfortable with the subject matter yourself to make the conversation less awkward and create a safe communication environment.

3. Explain that menstruation is a sign of growing up and is a normal process in the body that every woman goes through.

4. Define the menstrual cycle, the frequency in which it occurs and signs that lead up to a period.

5. Prepare her for the sometimes uncomfortable and painful cramps that occur during the period.

6. Show the preteen pads and tampons. Explain how they are used and how often they need to be changed.

7. Put together a "time of the month bag" with pads, tampons, change of underwear and pain reliever.

References

• Kidz World: Getting Your First Period
• Girls Health: Getting Your Period
• Kids Health: When Will I Get My Period?

Resources

• Epigee: Menstruation: A Girls First Period