If your daughter’s approaching puberty, you’re probably wondering how to bring up the topic of menstruation. For reference, girls typically start menstruating about two years after their breasts start developing, with 12 being the average age of a first period. Since menstruation can happen anytime between the ages of 8 and 16, gynecologists encourage parents to broach the subject fairly early. Below, you’ll find a few tips for starting the conversation.

3 Tips for Teaching Your Daughter About Periods

1. Bring It Up Casually on Occasion 

Having multiple talks about menstruation spread out over several shorter conversations will keep your daughter from feeling overwhelmed. Start by having periodic discussions about how the body works in general, and segue into puberty and menstruation as she gets older.

This will prevent information overload. It will also ensure that your daughter feels comfortable with such discussions because she’ll inevitably get used to them. 

2. Research the Science Behind It

Children are inherently curious, and they’ll undoubtedly want to know why menstruation is even necessary. Review the biology behind it so that you can answer your daughter’s questions in an honest and informative way.

For example, did you know that menstruation is the shedding of the uterus, which prepares for pregnancy every month? When pregnancy doesn’t happen, the blood and tissue must be discarded through the cervix and out of the vagina. 

3. Have Her Contribute to the Conversation 

Your daughter may already be familiar with menstruation. She may even have friends who have already gotten their first period. You can open the conversation by asking what she knows about the subject. This will engage her from the start.

It will also allow her to talk about her friends in the third person rather than discuss her own concerns in the first person. This can be helpful when it comes to topics that kids find embarrassing. Make sure she knows that menstruation is both normal and healthy by the end of the conversation, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.

Teaching your daughter about menstruation is just one aspect of protecting her reproductive health. Another critical component is scheduling her first visit with a gynecologist, which you should do when she’s between 13 and 15. For compassionate care in a comfortable setting, turn to Thameside ObGyn Centre. Located in Groton, CT, this practice is equipped to care for women at all stages of life, and their friendly team knows how to put even the most nervous patients at ease. To request a gynecologist appointment for your daughter, reach out on their website or call (860) 445-5107.