Three Tips For Preparing Your Preteen For Her Menstrual Cycle

Preparing your preteen for her menstrual cycle: Advice from a mother

Passion Parents are sometimes caught off guard during various stages of their children's development. They may think they dont have to cross that bridge for years or forget, as I often do, that our children are growing faster than we care to think they are. How amazingly fast the time can fly!

My friend called today with the news that her ten year old daughter may be starting her menstrual cycle. She thought she would have a couple more years to cross this bridge, but with the growth hormones and chemicals in our food these days, we find our girls are entering puberty earlier (check out the video on my blog). Fortunately, the schools and my friend have been preparing her daughter for this day as she enters womanhood.

Most girls begin to menstruate when they're about 12 or 13, but periods are possible a few years earlier. That's why explaining menstruation early is so important. Menstruation can be an awkward subject to talk about, especially with preteen girls who embarrass more easily than any other creatures on the planet. How can you prepare both yourself and her for this next phase in her life?

Talk early and talk often.

If your daughter asks questions about menstruation, answer them openly and honestly. Provide as many details as you think she needs at the time. It's OK to let your daughter set the pace, but if she is not giving you an opening to discuss this, you need to open the door. Consider a series of short conversations about personal hygiene and body development instead of one big, this is how it all works conversation.

Keep it simple.

The biology of menstruation is important, but most girls are more interested in practical information about periods.

" What is menstruation? Menstruation occurs when a girl's body is mature enough to become pregnant. Each month, one of the ovaries releases an egg. This is called ovulation. At the same time, hormonal changes prepare the uterus for pregnancy. If ovulation takes place and the egg isn't fertilized, the lining of the uterus sheds through the vagina. This is a period. " When will it happen? Typically, girls begin menstruating about two years after their breasts begin to grow. In the months before their first periods, many girls experience a thick, white discharge from their vaginas. Often, girls start menstruating within a year of the age when her mother started. " What should I do? Explain how to use sanitary pads or tampons. Many girls are more comfortable starting with pads. You need to decide before the first cycle how you feel about tampons. Educate yourself on tampons and chemicals in bleached feminine hygiene products. If your daughter is starting to show signs that she is close, encourage her to carry a pad or tampon in her backpack or purse. " Will it hurt? Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as mood swings and irritability, are possible in the days before each period. Many girls have cramps, typically in the lower abdomen, when their periods begin. Cramps can be dull and achy or sharp and intense. You may want to educate your self on methods to deal with cramps before she starts. If she decides to use a tampon, explain that it could take a number of times before she is comfortable with inserting a tampon. Let her know that is normal. I remember emotionally having a difficult time with inserting my first tampon. Talk to your about your experiences and feelings, this will encourage her to talk to you about how she is feeling.

Be conscious about the story you tell.

What stories and beliefs do you want your daughter to have about being a woman? Know that helping her in this transition can make a huge difference in how she approaches her period and becoming a woman for the rest of her life. Will she hate her cycle? Or will she look at it as a gift, her ability to eventually have children when she desires? Think about the stories and beliefs you have around your menstrual cycle and being a woman. Choose which beliefs you want your daughter to have and consider changing the ones that did not serve you well. This may be an opportunity to release the beliefs that do not support the woman you want to be or the woman you want your daughter to become.

Heres to being a Passion Parent! Christine Hiebel

About The Author Christine Hiebel, Life Style Mentor and Successful Entrepreneur, is helping many become the next success story. Whether you're looking to create an extra few thousand dollars per month, be an ex-corporate executive, or the next millionaire Mom, Christine can assist you to create a second stream of income and greater peace of mind. visit : Passion and Purpose