Navigating hormones, mood swings, body changes, and periods might feel like uncharted territory for you. It may be a while since you experienced all of this and the world has changed since then.
But don’t worry— you’ve got this!
Not sure if your child is starting puberty and need some pointers. Here’s everything you need to know to help your daughter through this important stage in her life.
Some girls find puberty exciting, while others feel nervous, especially if they’re the first or last in their friend group to go through changes. Your support and reassurance mean everything right now.
The first thing to remind your daughter? She’s unique, and her body will change at its own pace. Puberty usually starts around 11 or 12 but can begin as early as 8 or as late as 18. Her first period might arrive a couple of years after her body starts changing—so it’s a great time to get prepared.
The first signs your daughter has entered puberty might be breast development, and hair growing under the arms and between the legs, but it might still be a couple of years until her first period arrives.
Because your daughter is unique, it’s impossible to predict when she’ll start seeing signs of puberty, so use this time to prepare. Make sure you're prepared so you can provide the information, guidance, and reassurance she needs when she’s ready to talk about her period.
Puberty doesn’t happen all at once. Here are some common signs that your daughter is growing into her teenage years:
This can begin up to two years before her first period. Her breasts may feel tender before noticeable growth happens. She might start feeling self-conscious, so let her know it’s okay to talk about bras when she’s ready.
Why not try giving some gentle guidance and offering to take her shopping for her first bra fitting? Don’t be disappointed or surprised if she declines though, she might need more time, so try again in a few months.
A clear or creamy yellow discharge is normal and often a sign that her period is coming soon. If she’s worried about feeling damp, you could suggest panty liners to help her feel fresh and clean, they’re also great for capturing any first unexpected periods too!
The Lil-Lets range has products to help with periods and discharge.
Weight and the worry about weight gain can be part and parcel of puberty. Hips may become wider and the tummy a little rounder, reassure her that these changes are natural and a sign of healthy development.
Puberty is such a busy time for the body, it is vital your teen eats a healthy diet. Perhaps consider increasing mealtime portions, if she feels the need to snack a lot between meals.
It’s only natural that sprouting body hair might make your daughter self-conscious. If she asks about shaving or hair removal, it’s up to you whether she’s ready. If not, you could suggest revisiting the conversation in a few months.
OK, so she might be hogging the bathroom longer than you’d like, but she’s trying to get to grips with lots of change. She’ll probably sweat more, need to wash her hair more often, and potentially have a few spots on her face or back. It's worth remembering here that an antiperspirant will prevent sweating and is a better choice than a deodorant that simply masks odours for a few hours.
To make this time positive and less stressful for her, why not help your daughter find some toiletries of her own and offer advice on a good skincare routine, reassuring her that the odd breakout of spots is completely normal.
Can you remember your teenage years?
One minute she’s happy, the next she’s frustrated or upset. It’s all part of puberty, and sometimes she just needs space. Let her know you’re there to listen whenever she wants to talk.
The teenage years can be a rollercoaster of emotions; and while it’s a strain on her, both physically and mentally, it can be hard on those close by too.
But it’s good to talk, so why not wait until things have calmed and then let her know you understand what she’s going through and offer to listen when she wants to talk?
Some girls experience cramping before their first period arrives. One of the most common signs of puberty is experiencing cramps in the stomach, lower back, and groin.
It's important to talk to your daughter about ways to manage menstrual cramps, such as taking pain relief, using a heating pad, or practising relaxation techniques.
Cramping is often noticed before a period arrives as the reproductive organs mature and develop and can be very similar to period pain.
Puberty and periods are big milestones in your daughter’s life, and with your support, she’ll navigate them with confidence. You don’t have to know everything—just being there, listening, and reassuring her that everything she’s going through is normal will mean the world.
Join our community at Lil-Lets talk, the place to go if you’ve got questions on parenting, puberty, or absolutely anything else!
Lil-Lets TalkTalking to your daughter about puberty can feel a little awkward and one of the first chats you will have will most likely be about first bras and breast development.
When Will My Daughter Need Her First Bra?Figure out how to talk to your daughter about her period, from the ideal age for the period talk to the best products for teens.
Period Talk - How To Talk To Your Child About PeriodsAs a parent, you want to help your daughter feel comfortable, confident, and prepared for this new stage in her life. That’s where pantyliners and pads come in.
Why Your Daughter Needs Pantyliners and Pads
A first period can last anywhere from 2 to 10 days and may be light, with only a few spots of blood, or heavier. It can also be irregular for the first year or two before settling into a pattern.
Some of the most common signs of a first period coming soon are; Breast growth, vaginal discharge, growth spurts, pubic and under arm hair growth and of course mood swings.
Most children start their periods between ages 10 and 15, with the average being around 12-13. However, it’s normal to start earlier or later. Look for signs of puberty, such as breast development and vaginal discharge, which can signal that their first period may be coming soon.
It's good to have a mix of period supplies at home and in your daughter's school bag, with pads or liners that will help them manage their period. Go for a regular or mini pad as a first choice.
Yes, for some it may be a little uncomfortable. It really does depend on the individual and it's best to discuss period cramps with them before a first period arrives so they know what to expect. If your child does experience cramps or lower tummy and back pain, offer a warm heat pack or show them some stretching exercises that will help.
Keep conversations light and short, let them ask questions, share your own first period experience, have some books or online resources they can look at. And let them know they can chat to you anytime they feel ready.
If your daughter is 16-18 and has not had their first period it may be advisable to have a quick chat with your doctor, they may simply be late to puberty, but it's always good to get them checked over. Very heavy periods, that require a pad change every 2 hours or less, or feeling sick and dizzy should also be brought to your doctors attention.
