The key to developing a strong relationship with your daughter is communication. The more often you talk with her openly and honestly, the more comfortable she will feel coming to you with questions.
How do you feel about talking with your daughter about such personal topics? Some mothers find it easy and comfortable, but some feel awkward and worried about what to say and how and when to say it. After all, unless you've raised girls before, this is new territory. And your own mother may not have told you much of anything. It's normal to feel challenged. But don't let it stop you from talking with your daughter.
Not just one talk
Remember that talking doesn't mean just one long session on bodies and the birds and bees. The best talking takes place in bits and pieces over the years. A young girl can be curious about your maxi pads or tampons, and you can tell her about your monthly flow. When she's a bit older, there may be a chance to talk about body hair or breasts. Since the onset of menstruation normally occurs sometime between the ages of 9 and 16, you need to be alert to any bodily changes that tell you she's close. We recommend that you tell your daughter about menstruation before her first period.
Be proactive
We hope you will use this site as a tool to generate honest, open discussions with your daughter about puberty. Perhaps your daughter will ask you a question, but don't wait for that to happen. Discovering the facts and talking about your feelings together will help you both to prepare. Besides noticing signs of puberty in your daughter, look for references to provide a natural opportunity for a conversation. You may feel better prepared if you review some basic information about puberty, anatomy and menstruation:
