The first period is a sacred rite. In south India, families celebrate this passage into maturity with much pomp. But, does the girl really understand what is happening to her and what it signifies?
Twenty years back, my friend introduced me into the mysteries of womanhood. She used to share the whispers she had heard among her adult cousins. We were too young to understand what all it meant and as a result not ready for the change awaiting us.
None of our mothers had talked to us. On the contrary, my mother was herself embarrassed to talk to me. First time it happened, I discussed with my friends and after three days talked to my mom. She had not known how to broach the topic.
Times have changed since then. Lot more information is available and society itself has woken up to awareness regarding such issues. I am sure teenagers today do not find it as difficult to talk about taboos with their mothers now.
But, if you are still shy and do not know how to talk to your daughter about her first period, here are some pointers which might help you prepare for the interview.
How to talk to your daughter about her first period?
Right Age to Talk
The kids are growing faster these days. The average age for the onset of menstruation has dropped from 12 to anywhere between 8 and 13. No doubt it is hard decide when it would be a good time to talk provided they are also too young to understand what it signifies. And, no butterflies stories either!