10 Things to Teach your Daughter about Puberty

Usually, girls begin to experience puberty at the age of 8 years to 14 years. Please don’t wait for them to approach you with questions about menstruation and other body changes. Some might not have the courage to ask, especially if they believe it’s a sensitive topic.

Start the conversation early. The following are essential things you should teach your daughter about puberty;

1. Puberty isn’t embarrassing

Girls living in a conservative area aren’t comfortable talking about puberty and their lady parts. However, as a parent, you have to assure your kids that it’s okay to talk about breasts, menstruation, and everything related to their bodies. The conversation should be as easy and normal as a conversation about maintaining natural hair.

Setting the right tone for the conversation guarantees that your daughter will confidently ask questions and share her experiences with you or her doctor. However, if you create embarrassment around a puberty discussion, your girl will feel confused, awkward, and ashamed. The confusion and lack of proper knowledge might affect her health and sex life in future.

Every woman has a vagina, and there is nothing wrong with talking about it!

2. Emphasise that womanhood is beautiful

Puberty is exciting for boys but can be scary for young girls. For instance, every boy would want to grow taller or have a deep voice. On the other hand, girls might have difficulty adjusting to menstruation, growing breasts, or wearing a bra.

A parent must emphasise the positive and let their daughters understand how beautiful womanhood can be. Let your daughter know that these body changes occur so that she can create life someday. In any case, menstruation occurs once per month; with experience, it will be a walk in the park. And a curvy body looks great. Make her look forward to the following significant change.

3. Discuss the uterus, vagina and urethra

Call every part of the body by its appropriate name. the urethra and vagina are different holes with different functions. Teach your daughter how different these parts are and how they operate. There is no harm in girls understanding their bodies.

With the correct information, your daughter will be better positioned to explain whatever they are experiencing when necessary, at the doctor’s office or when consulting you. And if anything inappropriate happens to her, she will know and report.

4. Period Pants are as good as tampons.

A significant amount of chemicals manufacture pads and tampons. Your body may absorb these chemicals via the membrane mucous in the vagina. Period pants come in handy if you want to avoid this unfortunate situation.

Using tampons for an extended period is associated with repeated vagina infections and cramps in some women. Teach your daughter all the available methods of managing her periods.

5. Discuss toxic shock syndrome

Young girls who use tampons may experience toxic shock syndrome. Probably you have never heard of this infection since it’s rare, but it is there. It occurs when a lady wears a bigger tampon for an extended period.

Tampons may lacerate the mucous membrane in the vagina. The minor cuts can lead to toxic shock syndrome, which is more common in preteens. Although not every tampon user is prone to this infection, talking about it won’t harm.

Advice your daughter to use the lowest absorbency tampon; details on the same are stated on the side of the box. She should change tampons every four to eight hours. Mini pads and sanitary napkins are a perfect alternative with a light flow.

6. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)

Some young and older women experience intense or slightly noticeable premenstrual syndrome at some point. Symptoms include tender breasts, fatigue, mood swings, depression, irritability, headache and food cravings.

For young teens, the emotional stress and physical pain caused by PMS might affect their lives negatively. However, these symptoms usually disappear within a few days after the first day of their menstrual period.

Every girl deserves to take a break if the symptoms are severe, and in extreme cases, visit a doctor.

7. Shaving

Although shaving is very personal, you might need to discuss it with your teen. Body hair isn’t harmful, but some people can’t stand any hair on their armpits or “down there”. While there is enough information for shaving body hair, there is less information for shaving pubic hair.

Teaching how to deal with sensitive areas ensures that the process goes down safely and effectively. You will also advise on what to do in case of cuts or nicks. Shaving creams, for instance, are perfect during shaving, and aftershave, lotion can reduce irritation.

The type of blade used also determines the outcome. Dull blades are highly likely to cause shaving accidents compared to sharp blades.

8. Proper hygiene habits

Discuss proper hygiene habits with your daughter when she is still young. Talk of good shower habits like scrubbing their feet and armpits thoroughly. Give her tips on how to clean her hair with shampoo and condition it properly.

Teach your girl the importance of changing her innerwear and socks daily. After a good shower, she can use some deodorant to remain fresh all day long.

9. Acne

Many youths struggle with acne, and most of them end up trying different products that damage their skin even more. Don’t watch your daughter struggle with rough skin while she can try out the tips below for perfect skin;

• Drink plenty of water daily to keep skin hydrated
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Use a cleanser and moisturiser to wash and moisturise the face
• Lay on a clean pillowcase

10. Bra purchase

Wearing a correctly fitted bra has numerous benefits like boosting confidence, improving posture, keeping you comfortable and reducing back pain. Help your daughter purchase the perfect size.

Size of breast changes, especially during the growing years. Getting measured whenever you go shopping is a good idea.

Conclusion

Let your girl know that it’s okay to talk about puberty and everything that happens to her body. Start the conversation and be as open as possible. If she approaches you with questions, be ready to answer. If there are complex questions, consult with your doctor. Eventually, she will enjoy womanhood!