"Mom, why am I having more discharge recently?"
"My classmate said she got her period. Will I have it too?"
These are common questions that come up as girls grow. As a mom, have you ever found yourself unsure how to respond?
In fact, you don’t have to wait until “that day” arrives to talk about menstruation. The earlier you build an open and warm environment for communication, the more confidently your child can face the changes happening in her body. Here are some tips to help moms talk naturally and positively with their daughters about this important topic.
When is the right time to talk?
Every girl starts her period at a different age, but it usually happens between ages 9 and 13. It’s ideal to begin the conversation when your daughter starts showing physical changes, such as wearing a bra, increased vaginal discharge, or more noticeable mood swings. For many girls, grades 4 to 5 in primary school are the perfect time to start building awareness.
Other good moments to start the conversation include:
- When shopping for underwear or panty liners with your daughter
- When seeing menstrual product ads on TV
- After your daughter has attended a health education class at school
- When your daughter brings up questions on her own
How to talk about it naturally?
The conversation doesn’t need to be a one-time, all-inclusive lecture. You can take a gradual approach, sharing bits of information over time, depending on her readiness and curiosity. For example:
- “As girls grow up, they start having periods. It’s the body’s way of getting ready to someday carry a baby.”
- “It’s not a sickness, and it’s nothing scary. Every girl goes through it.”
- “When I got my first period, I was a little nervous too, but because I knew what it was, I didn’t feel so afraid.”
Sharing your own experience can help build trust and make your daughter feel that you’re someone she can rely on. Don’t worry about having all the answers. It’s okay to say, “I’m not completely sure either, but we can look it up together.” Your honesty will be the best example for her.
Let her know: It’s something beautiful
Many girls feel scared or confused when they first hear about menstruation. They may be influenced by their peers’ negative comments or misleading online information. This is your chance to help her build a positive understanding:
- “Having your period is a sign of growing up—it means you’re taking your first step into womanhood.”
- “It may be uncomfortable at times, but your body will adjust, and you’ll learn how to take care of yourself.”
- “It’s not a hassle—it’s your body’s way of telling you to care for yourself.”
Don’t let it catch her off guard: Be prepared
Before her first period arrives, help your daughter pack a small “first period kit” with panty liners, clean underwear, and wet wipes. Let her know where it’s kept. Also, talk about what to do if her period starts at school and who she can ask for help. Being prepared gives her confidence and peace of mind.
Keep it casual: Make body talk a norml
Talking about periods shouldn’t be something secret or shameful. Make it a normal part of daily life. Chat with your daughter about how her body is changing or what she hears from her friends. The more she gets used to sharing with you, the more likely she’ll turn to you in the future about both physical and emotional concerns.
Key To Takeaways: Let her know that growing up is a beautiful journey
Menstruation is more than just a physical change—it’s also part of emotional growth. As a mom, you have the power to say gently and confidently:
“You’re becoming more mature and more beautiful, and I’ll always be here for you.”
Let this conversation about periods not only be about facts, but also a loving connection between mother and daughter.
