Understanding Puberty: Preparing your Daughter

By Jyoti Pal

Changes experienced by girls:
Puberty is associated with at least four types of physical changes in girls.

• The growth spurt: The growth spurt, which is a period of rapid growth, is often the first sign of puberty. Your child may suddenly grow taller or lankier. Girls increase in size and shape, with more rounded hips and a more defined waistline.
• The development of secondary sex characteristics: These are the most obvious signs of maturing. The vulva, vagina and nipples will get bigger. The first pubic hair appear and then the breasts will begin to develop, sometimes unevenly. There is a change in oil and sweat producing glands also, that often leads to acne.
• The onset of menstruation: Menarche, or the first menstrual period, is often viewed to be a sign of the onset of puberty whereas it usually occurs quite late in the pubertal process. It is attributed to the development of ovaries in young girls. Their periods are sometimes irregular at first, but usually settle into a pattern after a few months.
• Start of vaginal discharge – an increase in the mucous produced in the vagina. They can have an orgasm when masturbating.

Talking about it:
The topic of menstruation is very sensitive and personal. It can be embarrassing for both, the mother and the daughter. Here's help approaching this tricky topic.

• Talk early and often
• The first thing you as a mother can do is to be comfortable yourself. If your daughter asks questions about menstruation, answer them openly and honestly. Provide as many details as you think she needs.
• Don't plan a single discussion. Instead, talk about the various issues — from basic hygiene to fear of the unknown — in a series of short conversations.
• To introduce the subject of menstruation, you might ask your daughter what she knows about puberty. Clarify any misinformation, and answer the questions she might have.