Time to Talk – Beginning the Period Discussion #KotexMom

I have always had a great relationship with my mom. We have always been able to talk about everything. It’s one of the qualities I’ve always admired about her. In, fact it’s the reason that I am so comfortable talking to my daughters. While I realize the period discussion can be awkward and uncomfortable for teens as well as adults, it was a breeze for me.

Have you been wondering how to begin the period discussion with your daughter? How to ease the awkwardness of the subject? Here are some tips to help you get started.

Get prepared for the talk
Make sure to talk to your daughter about her first period before she starts. These days girls are starting as early as age 8 or 9, so the earlier the better. Brush up on your period facts before you approach your daughter. By doing so you will be better prepare for her questions. You don’t have to make a list, but a little research can help to make sure your daughter does not receive wrong information. Make sure you know the basics.

Choose a day to have the talk
Schedule the day on your calendar and make it a girl only day or night! Please don’t start the discussion while the entire family is around, or in public where others could overhear. Choose a day in which you will have alone time with just you and your daughter.

Open the lines of communication
While some girls may be excited about the arrival of their period, others are anxious, embarrassed and even afraid. Instead of waiting for your daughter to bring up the subject, ask your daughter about her questions. If your daughter does not ask questions, don’t assume she has all the answers. Instead ask your own questions.

Don’t give a lecture
Don’t overload your daughter with a bunch of facts in one day. Break up your discussions into several talks. Be sure to answer all questions as honestly as you can, and admit when you don’t know the answer. You can look it up online together, or find out the answer and tell her later. The latter may be a good way to strike up a conversation about “the talk” at a later date.

Provide additional resources
In addition to talking to your daughter, give her books, charts and other items you might find helpful. These resources may be a good idea if you sense your daughter getting uncomfortable during your discussion. Another great resource is the U by Kotex hello period web site.

Bring supplies
If your daughter has not yet had her first period bring pads and panty liners to the discussion. Have her interact with the products, and teach her how they work before she uses them. It’s also a great idea to give her a box of each for when she starts. My girls start out by using pads, because they are easy to use and the more practical choice.

Before you wrap up the discussion allow your daughter to ask questions and remind her that you are available any time she has questions. Getting your period can be a confusing time for a young girl, but by understanding what to expect our daughters will be better equipped when the big day arrives. The more information that you share with your daughter about her period, the more comfortable she will feel talking to you about it.

Over the next few months, as a U by Kotex Tween Ambassador I will be sharing information to help you prepare for your daughters first period.

I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.