Personal hygiene is important at all times. It is especially important that girls know how to care for and clean themselves when they are menstruating. This might seem obvious for some, but parents and care givers should not assume all girls know what to do.
Teens and Tweens may think they know everything however, it is up to us to make sure they are given quality information about the importance of hygiene and the importance on staying on top of their period. That means helping her buy sanitary products, advising her on the use of feminine hygiene products and helping her keep track of her period. Some Teens and Tweens may want to do this on their own, but it’s best to go over everything with them at least once. We want to always respect their privacy while offering help every step of the way.
Here are a few topics I covered with my girls, so that they would feel confident about what to expect each month.
Warning Signs
For many the first sign of an oncoming period is cramps, while others might experience a change in mood, headaches or tender breast. Let your Teen or Tween know that these symptoms are all normal and natural. If these symptoms are so bad that they make them uncomfortable contact a doctor for recommendations on what to take for the pain. I also suggest using a heating pad to help ease the pain.
Hygiene
It is important that girls feel fresh and comfortable throughout the day. For this to happen it is very important that pads and panty liners be changed often. This will help maintain cleanliness as well as avoid odors and accidents. Remember, panty liners are meant for spotting days, and not to be worn on heavy-flow days instead of pads.
If you have had your period for a while you will know when to change your pad and panty liner. When you are just starting out it can be a little tricky depending on how heavy or light your flow is. I suggest changing your pad as often as you need to feel dry, fresh and clean. It is a good idea to change them every 3 to 4 hours if your flow is light and more often if it is heavy. Experiment with different sizes and find a solution that works for you.
Keeping a Calendar
Be sure to explain to your Teen or Tween how long her cycle might last and how to track it. Tracking it with a calendar is a good idea, so there are no surprises and spotting. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to be ready when it arrives.
Keep in mind feminine hygiene is essential, and it is important that all Teens and Tweens adopt the practice of good feminine hygiene habits early on.
For more information, tips, questions and answers, visit the U by Kotex Tween and Kotex website.
Mom Central is giving away U by Kotex Tween Pads and Liners to 50 lucky winners! You can enter the U by Kotex Tween Giveaway from now until November 12, 2012.
How did you explain the importance of hygiene while on your period to your girls?
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.
About Cuzinlogic
I love u by kotex…. they have the best tampons
Thank you for the tips…
It’s so great to de-mystify this 100% natural topic. Like so many other things, it’s something that we don’t talk about yet affects (almost) every.single.woman. I remember when I first got my period and it was a scary time. Better for girls to learn the ropes from their mothers than the internet or their friends. Thanks for sharing.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
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My daughter(7) knows a little about menstruation or, as she refers to it, the “red stuff.” :)
I explain to her the importance of keeping her private areas clean and changing her underwear at least once a day.
I remember long ago my mother was out-of-town and I was in the tub. Suddenly I started screaming and I could hear my dad saying aloud, “oh God no.” I was about 10 and he thought I had started my period and he would have to explain everything to me. Normally, this is an awkward and uncomfortable topic btwn male/female, but in my culture, it’s even more so. As it turns out, it was just a bug. I don’t think anyone was ever so happy to see a spider :D
I started my period when I was 11. I knew about it b/c of movies shown to us girls at school. But I was still grossed out and afraid to change my pad.
When my daughter gets to that time (she’s 5), I will do what my mom did to help me understand everything. She sent in for a free kit for girls starting their periods for the first time. This kit had samples of different types of hygiene products and an easy book for girls to read and fun stuff to soften the subject a bit.
When the times comes, I’ll be ready! I want my daughter to be well-informed…a “Carrie” version, not cool! ;)
I`ve been keeping a calendar for like 2 and a half years, although my period was irregular I could predict when I`d have them, I just had that feeling coming up and I`m very irritable a few days before the period. And the last 5 months it`s become totally regular, for my suprise I only found that out when it was going on for 5 months :D haha
My mom didn`t tell me what excactly I should do when it starts, but she didn`t hide anything from us either. If weasked questions, she answered them truthfully. I guess I`ll tell my kids it earlier, so they know what to do :)
I wish somebody has told me all this before mine started, because at the time I was away from home, so I couldn’t ask mom and had nobody to ask.
Keeping a calender isn’t always a good plan. Not all girls are regular, myself included. It’s extra important to pay attention to symptoms, just in case.
Thanks for sharing these valuable tips for proper hygine for tween and teen females.