### Preparing Your Daughter for Her First Period If your daughter is biologically female, she will likely start menstruating as she grows up. It's important to start talking about it early. Here are some tips to help you prepare her: 1. **Start Early**: Begin the conversation early, even if it's just general information. Mention that she will have a period when she gets older. 2. **Be Honest and Open**: Use proper terms for body parts like vulva and vagina. Keep your expressions calm and neutral to avoid making it seem like a secret. 3. **Discuss Puberty Signs**: If she shows early signs of puberty like breast buds, body odor, and pubic hair, it's time to discuss periods in detail. 4. **Explain the Process**: Explain that some bloody fluid will come out of her vagina for 3 to 7 days and that she will use pads, tampons, or reusable period products to manage it. 5. **Premenstrual Symptoms**: Inform her about possible symptoms like bloating, cramping, headaches, and breast tenderness. 6. **Period Kit**: Prepare a period kit with pads, tampons, or other products and show her how to use them. 7. **Tampon Use**: If she wants to use tampons, explain how to use them properly and the importance of changing them every 6-8 hours. 8. **Other Products**: Discuss other options like period underwear and menstrual cups, but note that these might not be ideal for the first period. 9. **Cycle Irregularity**: Let her know that her first few periods might be irregular and that it's normal. 10. **Seek Medical Advice**: If she experiences severe pain or uses more than 6-8 pads a day, consult a doctor. Support her emotionally and be open to discussing her feelings about menstruation, especially if she is experiencing gender dysphoria.