Talking to Your Daughter About Menstruation

IT’S A CONVERSATION YOU NEED TO HAVE

By Martha Evans Sparks, Staff Writer

What women tell their daughters about menstruation seems to be a generational thing. If you were born 65 or more years ago, your mother either told you nothing or gave you a lecture in such detail that you had no idea what she was talking about. If you were born in the 1990s or later, your mother probably told you all about it in terms she understood. Maybe you understood, maybe you did not.

Most teenagers agree it would be easier to postpone high-risk activity if they had more open, honest conversations with their parents. Telling your daughter about menstruation before she has her first period is near the top of necessary mother/daughter conversations and could ease the way for more in-depth talks as she grows older.

Menstruation, or the menstrual cycle, is the monthly flow of blood and cellular debris from the non-pregnant uterus. It begins at puberty in all women. The bleeding, often referred to as a period, usually lasts from three to seven days. A woman’s first menstrual period may come as early as 8 years of age, though age 11 or 12 years is more usual. Occasionally a girl will not menstruate until as late as age 16 years. Some menstrual discomfort is common; sometimes intensely painful cramping occurs. The onset of menstruation is the body’s In the conversation, it may be well to way of announcing it is mature enough to incubate introduce her to a new word – puberty. Tell her a baby. Menstrual periods cease permanently it means her body has entered a new stage of usually between the ages of 45 and 55 years, a growth and change. One of the changes puberty stage of life called menopause. brings is the beginning of some bleeding that

Most women say they took menstruation will come from an opening in her lower body. casually as youngsters, Be sure to use correct accepting their periods as just language, never cute or crude a normal part of life. For some euphemisms. You could end young girls, however, it comes as a shock. By the time your As her mother the discussion by purchasing some sanitary products for daughter is 8 years old, you should have begun discussions and true friend, future use. This is not a one-time with her about this important topic. As her mother, try to be open, factual conversation. It should be an ongoing discussion. Watch remember that you probably felt the same way she does – appalled and intrigued – and truthful. for teachable moments. Be an “askable,” accessible parent. Be ready to answer when you first heard about questions such as, “Do boys menstruation. have periods, too?” Assure

One good way to start a your daughter you are there discussion about menstruation with a young girl for her if she has cramps, heavy periods or more is to create an occasion to walk past a display questions. She should know she will get honest of sanitary napkins or tampons in a store. Ask answers from you and no question is considered a casual question about whether the girl knows dumb or off limits. Laying a good foundation of what these products are used for. Bear in mind open conversation with your daughter now will your child may have already heard some things make it easier when you move on to discussions from her friends. But whatever her level of that may include warnings against high-risk knowledge, as her mother and true friend, be activity, including premarital sex. open, factual and truthful.