Breaking the Silence: How to talk to your teenage daughter about her period

On March 27th, we tragically lost another life to stigma and a lack of conversation.

The recent loss of a 14-year-old girl, due to stress from her first period, serves as a stark reminder of the importance of open dialogue within families and schools. Menstruation is a natural and inevitable part of a woman's life, marking a significant milestone in her journey toward adulthood. However, by initiating a dialogue with your daughter about menstruation, you're not only equipping her with essential knowledge but also creating a safe space for her to express her thoughts, concerns, and questions without fear or judgment.

The hesitation to communicate often stems from stigma and a lack of understanding on how to broach the topic. So, we've broken it down into pieces, making the process a little easier for you and your daughter!

Timing and Approach:

Choosing the right moment and approach is crucial when broaching the subject of menstruation with your daughter. Pick a private setting where she feels comfortable, with no phones and no interruptions!

Approach the conversation gently, with love and empathy for the confusion a teenager might go through, acknowledging any anxieties or uncertainties she may have with empathy.

Reassure her that it's normal to feel a mix of emotions when confronted with new experiences and changes in her body.

Provide Accurate Information:

Dispelling myths and providing factual information is extremely important in alleviating fear and confusion surrounding menstruation. Explain the biological process of menstruation in simple, age-appropriate language. Here are some prompts:

- The menstrual cycle and its frequency

- Hormonal changes throughout the month and how they affect her mind and body

- How to manage cramps

- Hygienic menstrual practices

- Safe and comfortable menstrual care products she can choose from!

Encourage your daughter to ask questions and express any fears she may have - Remind her that no question is off-limits or too trivial! Be prepared to address common misconceptions too!

Emphasise on Emotional Well-being:

In light of recent events, it's crucial to prioritize your daughter's emotional well-being during this conversation. Acknowledge that it's normal to feel a range of emotions, including excitement, apprehension, or even anxiety when experiencing puberty and menstruation for the first time.

Encourage her to communicate her feelings and emphasize that seeking support from trusted adults or healthcare professionals is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Promote a Positive Body Image:

Menstruation often coincides with physical changes that can impact a young girl's body image and self-esteem. Misinformation around menstruation and drastic hormonal changes, coupled with unrealistic beauty standards for a woman’s body, only add fuel to the fire!

Encourage healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, which can contribute to her overall well-being and resilience during menstruation.

Address the Stigma:

Last but not least, let’s ensure that we don’t sweep under the rug what needs to be spoken about. Misinformation about periods can make the experience more difficult than it needs to be. Remind her that there is no shame in menstruation, staining clothes or bedsheets, asking for a menstrual hygiene product, or taking a day off to rest, despite what people around her might lead her to believe.

Yes, periods can be painful and irregular at first, but they are never to be ignored or undermined!

Conclusion:

Initiating a conversation about menstruation with your daughter is a vital step towards promoting her physical and emotional well-being. By approaching the topic with empathy, understanding, and accurate information, you can help dispel myths, alleviate fears, and ensure she develops a positive and healthy attitude towards menstruation. Remember, your support and guidance play a crucial role in empowering your daughter to navigate this transformative phase of her life with confidence and resilience.