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Wasn't it just yesterday that you were on the receiving end of "The Talk." Is it possible that your baby is already at this point in life? Yes. The time has arrived. Since you have suddenly found your adult self in the parental position of explaining the "facts of life," try these tips to help both of you maintain an on-going dialogue.
- Be open and honest with your daughter. Relax and be yourself. Let her know that you are approachable -- now and in the future.
- Share your own stories of adolescence; often, a parent's coming-of-age stories are both reassuring and sort of funny. Using humor is a great way to break the ice!
- Discuss how you feel about her growing up. Tell her you are happy, proud, etc.
- Find out how confident she is with all she's learning and experiencing. Help fill in any blanks in her knowledge.
- Clear up any misconceptions she seems to have.
Here's a suggested outline for "The Talk." It will take its own natural course, but these are the main topics that should be covered:
- Make sure she understands what it means to "get her period." Review the information given in the It's a Girl Thing® section.
- If your daughter hasn't gotten her period already, she may wonder when she'll get it. The timing of the first period is mostly determined by genetics and usually occurs within one or two years of the onset of breast development and a growth spurt.
- Decide together how she'll tell you about her first period.
- Talk about the different kinds of feminine protection available to her. Most girls feel more comfortable using pads to begin with, but tampons may be an alternative.
- Encourage her to ask questions. Suggest she visit the It's a Girl Thing® section on this website (kotex.com), either with you or on her own. This site is filled with important information about puberty, the menstrual cycle, and feminine hygiene products.
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