First Period

Just earlier this week, in my girl's school, they got all the Std 4 to Std 6 girls (aged 10-12) together and spoke to them about periods and sanitary pads and how to dispose of the sanitary pads. They informed them that it was a very natural thing and there was nothing to be embarrassed or shy about.

Then as if with perfect timing, my girl's first period started yesterday. I guess the school did me a favor by giving them that talk. Fortunately I had also prepared my girl for this important milestone when she was around 8 or 9.   At the time, I was reading an article in the newspaper about menstruation and how important it was for parents to inform their child and what are the things to discuss with their growing daughters. I read out the entire article to her and stopped for questions. That wasn't too difficult.

Luckily I did not wait till later thinking that there is plenty of time for later. I like that she is prepared so she is not worried. Still, she wasn't very sure and asked me whether it was just poop stains because it looked brown. I assured her that it wasn't, then all I had to do was show her how to wear the pads, how to dispose them and to practice good hygiene at all times. Good thing I had some slim pads in the house. Maxi pads would probably be too uncomfortable for her. There is a wide range of age for the start of first period and I guess she is on the early side. Hopefully she won't receive a lot of teasing for that.

Well, she is not that worried but I am. I'm now worried about whether she will be teased. I'm worried about whether she will feel discomfort when attending gym class today. I'm worried about whether she will have enough time to eat during recess as well as change the pad on her own for the first time today since she is such a dawdler. I'm worried about whether there will be any leakages.

I guess I shouldn't worry so much. After all, I can't even remember when I had my first remember and I don't remember anything else either. Either I had it very early like her or my memory is really bad. I can't remember who taught me to wear a pad. Maybe it was an aunt or an older sister. I don't remember my mum doing it, I think she must have passed on at the time or was very ill. I can't seem to remember anything about my first period. Probably it was not very eventful. So hey, probably my girl won't remember much either later on.

Ah we mothers. We worry all the time. My baby. My baby is growing up. I feel kind of nostalgic.

Here are some useful resources and links to help you prepare your daughter for her first period.

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