I recently received a phone call from a mom who had attended one of my seminars. Her daughter, now 12, had just started her period and had a soccer tournament to attend and she wanted me to help her re-explain to her daughter how to use a tampon.
Although there are no contraindications for young girls to use tampons, I didn’t think that the first trial should be during the time of a soccer tournament. Just a little too much going on to make it her first attempt. I explained this to mom and she agreed. At the same time we talked about the fact that her daughter's first periods will probably be light and a thin pad with wings should work well. Luckily, the girls’ soccer shorts are not white – but instead, black! Smart.
For those moms who haven’t made it to one of my seminars in San Diego or have watched the Healthy Chats for Girls DVD here is a list of things to keep in a pouch for your young pre-teen girl to have handy:
1) 2 or 3 li
ners
2) A thin pad with wings
3) A spare pair of panties in a plastic sandwich bag
4) A plastic baggie to discard the used pad and bring back the used panties
5) A quarter to purchase extra pads, just in case
6) A sanitary wipe – this is a relatively new item and very convenient
7) A note from mom (your choice of thoughtful, encouraging words!)
By preparing this pouch (or period kit) for your daughter, you will show her that you are there for her, regardless of the mood swings. Ah, those dreadful mood swings. We can talk about that more another time...
Wishing you healthy chats with your children,
Dr. Chrystal de Freitas
