How to prepare a child for menstruation for the first time

The first time menstruation, aka menarche, is an important event in a girl's life. It is not uncommon for this incident to cause confusion and fear for some girls because they are shocked to see the red blood spots on their underwear. In fact, the child is so panicked that he could ask crying, "Mother, what blood is this …?"

Even so, there are girls who happily welcome their first monthly guest. Hmmm… Whatever the reaction, the first menstruation holds the same meaning for every girl, which is a sign that the child has entered puberty. So, how do you introduce menstruation to children? Find out the answer in this article.

Preparing the child for menstruation for the first time

Most girls will have their first period when they are 12 years old. However, it is possible that they can experience it before that age. That is why it is very important to talk to children from an early age so that they are ready and not surprised when they experience their first menstruation.

Not only girls, boys should also be invited to discuss menstruation. This is done so that they also understand what their mother, sister, and female friends experience every month.

Here are some tips you can do to prepare for the first time menstruation in children.

1. The earlier, the better

Start with the children discussing menstruation in outline from an early age. Basically, it is not only about menstruation, education about the human body, especially the reproductive organ system, must also be introduced from an early age. There is no need to be embarrassed or uncomfortable. The reason is, if you are reluctant to discuss with children from an early age, as children age they will look for this from other sources that are not necessarily the right one.

Start talking to girls with simple conversations such as “When you grow up, your body will change like Mama. Later there will be certain changes in several parts of your body. "

2. Adjust to the age of the child

Although it is important to explain about menstruation from an early age, don't forget to adapt your discussion material to the age and knowledge of the child. You don't need to go into this in detail all at once. You can invite the children to discuss at leisure times or whenever you have the opportunity. In essence, this discussion is carried out in stages. The goal is that children digest easily and are not confused.

As girls get older, then you can include material to discuss specifically menstruation. You can talk more about the meaning of menstruation, for example the menstrual process and the effect of menstruation on the development of the child's reproductive organs. That is why you must also actively seek information about the human body. Don't forget to explain to your children that menstruation is a natural process that occurs in women every month.

3. Don't be nervous or embarrassed when answering children's questions

As explained above, explain to children according to their age and knowledge. You certainly don't need to explain in detail if your child is 3 - 6 years old.

This generally happens often, when the child suddenly finds a sanitary pad and asks you about its use. Answer these questions with simple information the child can understand. Don't feel shy about going overboard or going into broad explanations because you're nervous. You can say something like, "Mama uses this every period." If the child does not ask further questions, you do not need to explain further about the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and female reproductive organs.

In addition, do not hesitate to answer “Don't know” or “Mama, find out first, yes” if you are confused about answering children's questions. Remember, your girls need factual information about their periods and all the other changes as they enter puberty. Making up or frightening will only make your child mistrust you and will actually make him look for the information in other unsuitable sources.

4. Learn together with children

Invite children to learn and discuss together related to human reproductive organs, menstruation and puberty through books, videos or pictures from various literatures. So, you and your children can add to each other's knowledge. In addition, this method can also be a way to spend free time with children discussing useful things.

Questions that are generally asked by children are about menstruation

The following are some of the questions most frequently asked by children about menstruation and how to answer them.

1. "Why only women have menstruation?"

You can answer something like this: “Menstruation is a natural process that only occurs in women. Menstruation occurs because of a process in the uterus, which only exists in a woman's body. The uterus is also what allows women to get pregnant. "

2. "What if my first period happened at school?"

Well, this question is one of the big fears of girls when they experience their first menstruation at school. Being embarrassed and anxious because of the fear of menstrual blood "leaking" or penetrating the skirt are the things that some girls fear most.

If the child has entered the signs of puberty such as - enlarged breasts, growing fine hair on the genitals or armpits, etc., you can teach them to use sanitary napkins and always be prepared to carry the pads in their bag. So if later the child experiences their first menstruation at school, or in other places besides at home, the child is ready with the sanitary napkin.

3. "My friends are menstruating, how come I haven't?"

You can answer “Every woman's menstrual period is different. So, don't be surprised if there are women who experience menstruation that is faster or slower. And that is normal. "