What it means to prepare our daughters for their first period.

There comes a day in every parent’s life filled with mixed emotions the day our daughter gets her first period. For her, it is a sign of growth and change; for us, it is a reminder that she is stepping into a new stage of life. This moment can arrive suddenly, carrying excitement, curiosity, and sometimes fear. Yet too often, it is surrounded by silence or shame. That is where our role as parents comes in: to make it an ordinary, dignified moment not one of shock or embarrassment.

This journey begins at home. When we talk openly and gently with our daughters, we ease their worries. By sharing simple stories from our own lives or from close relatives, we help them see that menstruation is not an illness but a natural part of growing up. These conversations build confidence and calm.

As mothers, we often have a closer role in guiding our daughters. We can explain what is happening in their bodies, show them how to use pads, how to change hygienically, and how to keep supplies handy at school. By preparing them in advance, we save them from panic if their period starts unexpectedly. Sharing our own experiences also removes fear and strengthens our bond with them.

As fathers, our role is equally important. Too often, dads are left out of these conversations—but when we step in with understanding and support, we break the wall of silence. Asking how our daughters are doing, making sure the home is stocked with supplies, or offering a word of encouragement may seem small, but these gestures help our daughters feel respected and valued.

If our daughters are prepared, even getting their first period at school will not overwhelm them. They will know what to do, whether it’s changing a pad they carried along, or reaching out to a trusted teacher or friend for help. This is the strength we give our children when we prepare them early.

Most importantly, when we work together as parents, we show our daughters that periods are normal. Speaking openly and without ridicule at home helps dismantle the silence and stigma that surround reproductive health in many communities.

At the end of the day, preparing our daughters for this milestone is about raising a generation that grows with physical and emotional well-being. By treating menstruation as a natural step in their journey not a flaw but a stage to be embraced, we teach them that they are valued and supported in every chapter of their lives.

Prepared by C-Sema's Communications Team.