This change may start as young as 8 in some girls. If your daughter requests a training bra before she starts to develop, buy her one anyway to encourage her to make active choices about her body.
A child who plays sports may need to wash more than once a day to maintain good hygiene.
Help your daughter choose a face wash and moisturizer that suits her particular skin type.
If she wishes, bring your daughter shopping for deodorant or anti-perspirant so she can choose the brand and scent that she prefers.
Give your daughter shaving cream and a single-blade razor to start with to minimize the risks of cuts while shaving. Alternatively, give her an electric or battery-operated razor, which will be safer but provide a shave that is less close.
Outline how this all plays out over the 28-day timeline. Understanding how each menstrual cycle works is valuable and practical information for her to have.
Reassure her that there will always be ways for her to cheer herself up when she experiences these emotions, and that it won’t last long.
A hot water bottle or heating pad to relieve cramps. Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen to reduce the intensity of cramps. Exercising and eating healthy to reduce bloating during PMS.
Tell her how and when to dispose of pads or tampons properly. As a third option, you may wish to purchase a menstrual cup in case she is interested in a reusable option.
Be sure to discuss safe sex measures, contraception, peer pressure, and health risks with your child as part of a complete talk about sex.
Talk to your daughter about eating disorders to acknowledge that some weight control behaviours are dangerous and unhealthy. Assert that sugary or processed junk foods are bad for her because they lack nutrients that she needs to be healthy, as opposed to stressing their calorie content. Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks for your daughter to enjoy.
Stating a specific reason for saying no, such as not wanting to smoke because you have asthma. Speaking firmly and clearly to get the message across. Removing herself from a situation if she feels pressured to do something she doesn’t want to do. Calling home to be picked up if the situation gets out of control. Spending time with friends who choose not to use drugs and alcohol.
