Sex education for children. What and how to tell my daughter about puberty?

Despite the abundance of information on any subject, the first menstruation (menarche) can frighten a girl. Therefore, it is very important to prepare her for this event. 

First of all, you need to tell your daughter about menstruation, and before it starts. The approximate age of menarche is 11 - 15 years, in our latitudes it is 12 - 14 years. The appearance of the first changes - hair on the body, swelling of the mammary glands - occurs in 8 - 10 years. This period is best for the first conversation. Since children are shy to ask questions about intimate things, it's better to have a conversation in the form of a storyThe monologue, which should be thought out in advance, having previously familiarized with the necessary literature.

Since children are shy to ask questions about intimate things, it is better to conduct the conversation in the form of a story

The conversation will need to be repeated by the time the first menstruation occurs. A growing woman will take her mother's story more responsibly. You should try to find out her thoughts on the subject. She may have some fears that often arise because of lack of awareness - these will need to be addressed.

You should ask your daughter to tell you when she starts menarche. The first menstruation is a kind of mini-crisis of the transition age. It is very important to treat your daughter with special sensitivity at this moment - it will help her to get used to the new condition and not be afraid of it.

The information should be presented in a simple and clear way, explaining that menstruation is a bloody discharge from the female genital tract that lasts from 3 to 7 days. Approximate volume of blood loss - 50 - 150 ml, it is not much, besides, everything is quickly replenished in the body. The girl can be given a special calendar for her to mark in it her critical days. This will help to understand whether her body is developing properly.

It is worth refraining from showing strong emotions, otherwise the girl may perceive menstruation as something scary and shameful.

Everything that is happening with your daughter is completely normal, but the cause for alarm is the absence of menarche before the age of 14 - 15.

It is essential to tell your daughter about menstrual hygiene. You should buy personal hygiene products in advance and set aside a place for them in the closet. Also warn your daughter that at this time it is recommended to refrain from going to the pool, sports and lifting weights - this will help to avoid health problems. It is also better not to attend physical education classes on "these" days, having asked the nurse for an exemption certificate beforehand.

Explain to the girl that it is dangerous to get cold during menstruation (and all other days too). Check how your daughter is dressed. After all, hypothermia can lead to inflammatory diseases that can lead to infertility.

We can use advertising as an ally. The only thing is that everything will need to be explained truthfully, without trying to replace blood with blue liquid.

If your daughter has painful periods, you should explain to her that this happens. According to doctors, dysmenorrhea (also called painful periods) occurs because teenagers have not yet stabilized the secretion of hormones, later the painful sensations should go away. Antispasmodics, which are the safest remedy, will help to control the pain. During menstruation, it is important for girls not to overwork, reduce stress, eat almonds, nuts and oatmeal - these products contain a lot of magnesium, necessary for the body during menstruation.

Severe pain during menstruation is not normal. So if the pain syndrome increases, your daughter should be taken to a gynecologist.

If for any reason the conversation with your daughter does not work, you need to seek help from a psychologist - teenagers need the support of an adult who will not judge him, will find an approach to him, and will tell him how to be in worrying situations. You can sign up your daughter for Skype counseling - modern teenagers, sitting days at the computer, such a measure that allows you to alleviate the internal state, that is called, "without leaving the cash register," will certainly be to your liking. Or it is possible in advance, before the conversation, independently contact a psychologist, who will advise the nuances that help to properly conduct this important conversation.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

1. At what age should you start your daughter's sex education?
   It is recommended to start sex education from an early age, gradually and sensitively, taking into account the child's age and questions.
2. How do you explain to your daughter the changes happening in her body?
   Explanations should be simple and straightforward, using accessible words and, where appropriate, visual materials to help your daughter understand and accept the changes in her body.
3. How do you talk to your daughter about menstruation?
   The conversation about menstruation should be open and supportive, explaining the physiological processes and helping your daughter prepare for this stage without fear or embarrassment.
4. What topics are important to discuss with your daughter during puberty?
   It is important to discuss topics of personal boundaries, consent, body changes, emotional experiences, and basic safety behaviors to prepare your daughter for adulthood.
5. How do you maintain a trusting relationship with your daughter about sex education?
   Keep an open mind, don't judge for asking questions, be willing to dialog and show that you are always willing to listen and support her.