For those with girls turning into ladies
This is a helpful post for some clueless, squeamish, unknowledgeable, and/or fearful dads, moms, or anyone caring for girls about preparing for getting her first menstrual cycle. I promise I will not discuss any gorey details in this post but If you wish not to continue reading I recommend skipping this post. I know this maybe a difficult discussion with no starting point to be found, and I know the older generation didn't usually talk about what happens to women's bodies as they grow up but hopefully these tips can help lead the way. -Rule #1, Don't freak out, especially if she freaks out. She needs support. Don't feed into panic, she needs to be grounded. The more prepared you are the better this situation may be. -Start carrying products were she can retrieve then on her own. I recommend pads, long with wings. They stay secure and will prevent accidents. Don't know how to put them on? I highly recommend girlshelpguide on YouTube's video called How to Use a Pad. It could be a little embarrassing to watch it together so watch it separately if you want. You could even have her follow the demonstration with her own belongings. The more you all know the better prepared you'll be. -Stock up on snacks. No joke. Sweet and salty things to snack on are best. She'll figure out what she wants during this time as time goes on. Also keep Tylenol handy, cramps during this time may be minimal to deviating and anywhere in between. Fatigue, nausea, headaches, stomach problems, irritation, and body aches are also common. This may be hard for her to recognize at first so be patient while she figures things out. -Even if your girl has had "the talk" or sex ed lessons in school their first cycle can come as a complete surprise and not every girl is prepared to handle it. Age is also not a factor, this can happen at age 9, it can happen at age 19. -Tell her not to be embarrassed or ashamed at all because a majority of women go through their cycle and that she's not injured/being punished/dying and that it usually lasts less than a week. Let her know it's totally normal if she feels very angry or very sad for no reason, and that you're there for her, whatever she may be feeling. -She's probably going to have a lot of questions that you may not know the answer to our how to explain it so tell her simply, "I don't know the answer but I will help you find the answer." Reach out to a family member or friend who she knows and trusts to answer any questions. If you have access to her doctor or a nurse hotline they may be of some help. Ask Google AT YOUR DISCRETION if all else fails, the internet might have some false or vulgar information on the subject. Avoid picture searches if you're not able to handle it. -This is the biological/emotional part, the reproductive part will come soon because it will eventually have to be explained WHY this is happening to her. That's not my place but no-nonsense medical and biological explanations may be found through your doctor or local free clinic. Classes and literature may also be available through her school, usually they present the information to the parents before they show the students so you could decide if the lesson provided is right for her. -This may or may not be an issue for early bloomers but tell her this is part of growing up but she is still a kid and growing, do not let her have the notion that because her body is becoming a woman that she's a grown up. She may get some misinformation somewhere down the line about obligations she must fulfill. Congratulations on having a little girl turn into a little lady, hopefully this may help you along the way. Please keep her well informed, have open communication, and patience.
