Alright mommas, let’s address talking to our daughters about their body and the changes that will happen. Puberty is an uncomfortable topic for some for various reasons, but it’s extremely important.
There are so many important things to talk about with your daughter.
First and Foremost, FEMALE ANATOMY
Talk about the female body with the correct names.
When I was pregnant with my first child, I was sitting in the OB’s office staring at the diagram of a vagina. Apparently, I didn’t know my own anatomy. This is common with people that don’t get the correct education throughout their life.
I had nightmares about this diagram of my own body for nights until my next OB appointment.
Talk to your daughters about their body. Know your body. Know the basic functions of the female anatomy and understand what is normal and what is not. This could make the difference between thinking you are dying or taking a day off to rest your body.
Second, Body Changes
Now that you’ve talked to your daughter about the anatomy of her body, talk to her about the changes her body will go through.
Boobs
Boobs come in all different colors, shapes, and sizes. And they don’t always match each other. Try to remind them not to compare themselves to others. It’s so easy to get caught up in comparisons.
We are all unique and beautiful in our own way!
Breasts begin their development around 8-13 years old. This can be uncomfortable for some and others feel no discomfort.
Body Hair
Girls will start growing hair all over their body. Some will have more than others. Hair will grow on their arms, face, arm pits, pubic area, legs, etc.
Some girls will want to talk about hair removal options at this time as well. Be ready to talk about what you might recommend for hair removal and remind her that she has the option to let the hair grow as well.
Be open to whatever she choses for her body.
Hormones
These body changes come with hormone changes. Hormone changes come with new body smells and mood swings. Talk to you daughter about these changes and how to help with them.
Deodorant, body spray, face wash, and different body washes might be on your shopping list. Talk about the different options and what might work with her body and that sometimes the scents might not work with their hormones.
Some pimples might start showing up on her face. This can be hard with all the other changes going on. Learning to care for their own body hygiene is very important for kids at this age.
Try to be understanding with their mood swings. These can cause the tornado storms of fights in your home. Remember that you are the parent and you can try to help guide them and regulate them, but sometimes you just need to let them ride those waves. Talk to them later.
Third, Periods
This is the BIG change for girls. This is the one most people talk about!
What is a period?
Wikipedia says, “Menstruation (also known as a period, among other colloquial terms) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.”
I started my period at a girl’s camp. Thank goodness my mom signed up as a counselor that year too. I did go to a friend first. This friend was great! She told me to go to my mom right away and that I started my period. Your first period comes whenever your body is ready!
It’s good to have a talk with your daughter around menstruation age. This could give you the opportunity to talk about all of these tough topics and then give her a starter pack of period products.
Products
There are so many ways to help a girl manage her period. It is important to know that all periods are different!
Pads, tampons, period underwear, birth control pills, and cups are just some of the options that people choose to help manage their flow. Each of these products take training to use and some take learning how to dispose of correctly.
These are all great things to discuss with your daughter.
Ensure that your daughter knows that it is her decision as to what products she would like to use. Help her gain knowledge on what her flow might be and which products would work best as well.
Congratulations, mama!
Once you’ve addressed these three very important topics with your smart, growing girl, you have opened the door for more adult conversations and understanding.
You have a young lady in your family now!
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ABQ Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
