As a parent, it is essential to prepare yourselves for your child’s first period. Not just the period but the various stages through which their body goes. If we were to look at a main change in puberty, it would be menstruation. But do you think your child is ready for this big change? The thing is, you can make them! And that is exactly what we are here for. You might not have ever initiated ‘the talk’ before. But don’t worry! You are not alone.
We have curated this comprehensive guide to help you to create a successful conversation with your dear child. If still not confident enough, you can always visit a gynaecologist in Vijayawada.
Let’s start by addressing a few common questions that most parents have
1. What is a period?
A period is the process by which the uterus sheds its lining every month. This is a response to the changes in hormones throughout the body.
2. What is the average age for kids to get their first period?
Even though this may vary according to children and their bodies, most kids get their first period between the ages of 10 to 15. 12 is considered to be the average age. But this doesn’t make it the ‘right’ age!
3. How about the period cycle?
Each body is different, and so are their cycles. In the early period years, it is common for the menstrual cycle to be irregular, but with time, it comes around every 21 to 30 days. It can last up to 7 days. But it can also be longer or shorter, moderate or heavy, depending upon your child.
4. What are the symptoms?
One thing that most of us have heard growing up could be ‘Oh you’re acting like the first person to ever go through this’. Well, we might not be the first one, but it is your first time. First or last, each body is different. So is its entire function. The same is applicable here. Few symptoms are commonly found among people not just during their first period, but throughout every single period.
To keep it short, the symptoms include,
- Bloating
- Tension
- Cravings
- Acne
- Headache
- Lower back pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Irritability and mood swings
- Breast tenderness
It is essential to keep in mind that this can vary according to people and their bodies. So just because your kid isn’t showing a particular symptom, doesn’t mean that they don’t have any. Since each body is different, the depth at which they experience the specific symptom also varies.
Talking generally, the most common symptom is menstrual cramps, which could be abdominal, lower back or headaches. It is also found that most teens do not get any cramps in the early years of the period but will start experiencing it with time. So how can you help with the cramps? First all of ask them what they want. Not all teens enjoy chocolate or a hot pack. Sometimes all they need is just a little space. So why don’t we start there? Other than that, if we were to look at some general things that would help including a heating pad, light exercises, a hot bath, etc.
How to ‘talk’ the talk?
See, primarily having proper knowledge of menstruation is very important for parents. Only then are they capable enough to talk to their daughters? Let’s navigate through everything you must consider before initiating it.
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The right time
Initiating the talk before their first period is very important. We understand that the timing can be different for each child, but you can always start by bit. Doing so, they will feel relaxed, prepared and more at ease, along with a better understanding of what they should expect. You don’t have to do this alone because not every parent is wired that way. You will have your doubts and in such cases, you can always consult the best gynaecologist in Vijayawada and they can take you through the important things that must be discussed.
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The right environment
The right environment is the most comfortable. Creating a comfortable and safe environment ensures that your child feels safe and at ease. Reassuring them about how normal and natural this is and encouraging an open dialogue throughout the discussion can it much more effective. Always remember that your understanding and support are what they need.
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Becoming a science expert!
Not literally, but engaging in research about how to begin the chat could eventually make you one! Jokes apart, explain the biology. You can explain how the reproductive system works and what happens every month also by highlighting the purpose of menstruation as the uterine lining shedding. And this is also where you take them along through the symptoms, which you already know by this point. Remember, the conversation should only be done using the correct words and language. This means no slang words or euphemisms. Only clean and clear explanations help your child to comprehend things easily.
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Break the stereotypes
The period chat doesn’t have to be a science class alone. You can make it empowering by addressing the myths and misconceptions and hence breaking the stereotype. You can talk about your experience, everything you heard and went through growing up, as well as addressing everything your child has heard. Replace the misconceptions through accurate information by strongly emphasising that periods are natural and a very healthy part of people’s lives.
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The open dialogue!
Now, we’ve all been there. And it is not easy being a teen. Their body changes quickly and it can be super daunting. When you provide accurate information without any shame and by making sure that you are your child’s safest space to ask the silliest questions, you can easily help your child to navigate through their periods to come. This is made possible through knowledge and support.
Open communication is an effort for you to make. A space for you to create. In this space, you can approach the conversation through inclusivity and by using gender-inclusive language.
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What to use
The market is filled with period products. From period products to hygiene products, there are a lot of products available and it must be hard for them to choose one. Introduce them to the different types of products available, from plastic pads, organics pads, bamboo pads, period panties and so much more. It is not easy to find the right product that fits your child’s body the first time. Because it will take some work to figure out what suits your body the best. For this, offer them various products to try and let them tell you what they find useful, best and most importantly comfortable.
Conclusion
Such conversations are always a tad easier when you make an appointment to a pediatric gastroenterologist clinic or visit a gynaecologist or a place where you get both. Through this you can understand all the necessary facts about the changes in their bodies. Because the internet is filled with so much information it can be confusing and nothing can go wrong with taking expert advice. Periods aren’t anything to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, there are a lot of people in our society who still think the same. But that can be changed if you take the initiative.
Remember, changes start from home!
Happy learning!