How do I explain about sanitary napkins to my daughter aged 10 yrs?

Question

I am a single father...

Answer 1

The schools usually do a very good job of this but if you are wanting to be involved also just let her know that when girls grow up the have a period and that they need to wear pads (the common name) which are like big band aids that keep their clothes from getting blood on them. Tell her that when she needs to start using them that you will help her pick some out, I suggest Always Ultra Thins, they are absorbant and discrete. Also tell her that she will need to change them when they get full or every few hours so that they don't leak or get smelly. Ask the school for material to help you. You will do just fine. Good luck to you.
Edit: You may want to pick some out now so that she can be ready before she needs them.

Answer 2

Well, first you need to explain the cycle of menstruation and what changes her body will undergo. Being that at first her periods may not be regular it is time to start carrying a purse or keeping a few pads at school in her locker if she has one.
I bought a package and showed her what they looked like.
Also, I let my daughter know that each womans flow is different and they make different thickness of pads to correspond.
You may want to purchase several types to keep on hand- it should say on the front of the package what thickness corresponds to the type of flow. And overnight pads which are longer and save you from accidents at night.
And some are scented and some are not. I did not like the scented ones and neither did my daughter.
And make sure she knows it is okay to shower or at least rinse her private areas during her period so there is no odor.

I know how you feel! I am a single mom and had to buy a jock strap for my son and explain what "wet dreams" are. But just be matter of fact and let her know she can ask you any questions that may come up. With my son I let him know that if I don't know the answer I will find out.

Answer 3

That would be rough. Is she having her period now? That's kinda early. You need to find her a gynocologist asap, and stay out of the room when you take her....ALWAYS. Later on when she becomes sexually active she will be able to confide in this woman she has known for so long and will feel more comfortable talking to her about protection.Try to find her a female gyn. My suggestion is shop around. Meet them first and decide is she hip enough? Does she seem friendly, someone your daughter can talk to? Men tend to shove the speculum in w/ little to no lubrication and say "OKAY now relax." LOL Its probably time for her to have anual exams, especially if she is already menstuating. I would maybe meet w/ the gyn alone before the appointment so you can let her know your situation and and tell her things you would like for her to discuss w/ your daughter. The differences between pads and tampons, what to do if she gets blood on her clothes, how often they should be changed, human sexuality.....
I would get her the book; "Our Bodies Ourselves." There is tons of important info in that book that all women young and old should know. I bought one for the teenage girl that baby sits our youngest from time to time.
I know this is a big step in your daughters life. All my mom said was;here, use this." I had to figure out how to put the pad on. I felt I could not ask her questions and was worried I was going to bleed to death. LOL Good luck, Lisa Mother of two boys...THANK GOD! LOL

Answer 4

First get informed on the net at the library from a female friend of the facts of what getting your period is like facts and feelings. Then sit your daughter down and tell her that the conversation is a bit akward for you but it is important so you will do your best. Then do your best to explain the truth as you know it. Let her know that if she needs or wants to speak to a female about it that you will help her find the right person to do so. Then listen to your daughter.

Answer 5

She may feel embarassed if you broach the subject.I suggest though that you find a female and ask her to get some napkins in case she starts and just ask her to put them in your daughters room School normally teaches girls about puberty about year 6.Give your daughter money to buy pads as this is a very sensitive issue for girls.Has your daughter got a close female she can talk to?

Answer 6

Chances are she already knows, but being factual is always the best bet. If your having a hard time with that there are many websites that explains the process, a 10 yr. old will understand the connection between a pad and the process with little help.

Answer 7

There are booklets that you can get to help, and always has a website for girls:

http://beinggirl.com/en_US/pages/articleslibrary.jsp

Just explain the basics, and then ya'll can go to the website together, or you can just show her.
Change the pad every couple of hours, or earlier if needed. Wrap the pad in the wrapper of the new one being used, and throw it in the trash. Ask her if she has questions, and if you don't know, go back to the computer and find the answer together. Good job, Dad!

Answer 8

Tell her that when girls start to grow into adolescents, their body starts to change so that they can have babies when they get older.

One of the things that happens is called a menstrual cycle or period. It happens about once a month, and hormones cause the body to build up soft tissue inside her uterus. If the body decides it won't need it for a baby, it gets rid of it.

When it comes out, a girl wears the pad to catch the fluid and keep clean. It looks like blood but she is not hurt and it is nothing to be scared of.

And every woman has this.

Then you could encourage her to talk to another woman in the family if she has questions that you can't answer.

She could start her period at this age so it is best to prepare her for it. It can be scary if she doesn't know what is going on.

Answer 9

Does she have a female in her life? Maybe your mother (her grandmother), an aunt, older female cousin or close female friend.

Honestly, I think a women will be better at explaining this. Nothing against you or your parenting skills, but 10 year old girls don't want to talk about these things with men.

It's hard enough talking to them with another women, at such an age.

Answer 10

I nearly guarantee that she already knows about them... And I believe there are directions on the package.

Make sure that when/if she ever starts using tampons that she reads the directions... I didn't, because I thought it was obvious... Well it's not for an eleven-year-old girl and I kinda messed up at first. And it is important that she is aware of TSS.

Answer 11

Do you know enouph about them to tell her or are you asking what to say. If you know alot about them just sit down and tell her. If you do not know then go to bath and body works and ask them is they sell a book called the "Care and Keeping of You" if they do then buy it.She should be mature enough to read it by herself. It explains about all the stuff you don't know ho to say.