Written by: Admin_SheEvo
I can remember it like it happened yesterday. Akande came running to me with eyes that were both excited and worried. “Mom,” she said with a little shake in her voice, “I think something weird is going on.”
I could feel how scared she was, and it didn’t take me long to figure out what she was talking about. My little girl got older. It was time for her first period, one of the most important events in a young girl’s life.
I took a big breath, smiled, and told her, “Akande, it sounds like you might be getting your period, which is normal and fine.”
She looked at me with wide eyes and a lot of questions in her head. I could see that she needed help and direction during this new and sometimes confusing time.
We sat down on her bed together, and I told her in a gentle way what menstruation was. I used simple words and made sure she got the main points. I told her that it was normal for a girl’s body to do that and that it was a sign that she was becoming a young woman. I told her that every girl goes through it and that there was nothing to be ashamed of or scared of.
Akande paid close attention and took in everything I said. I could see that her worry was getting less and less as she realized that this was a normal part of life. She asked me questions, and I answered them honestly to make sure she felt safe talking about how she felt and any worries she had.
I showed her how to use menstrual pads and told her that they would help her stay clean and relaxed during her period. We went to the store together to buy pads, and we let her pick the ones that made her feel the most at ease. It was a small step toward freedom, and she seemed proud of herself for taking care of her own needs.
Akande got used to her new schedule as the days went by. We talked about how important it is to keep clean and how she should take care of herself when she had her period. I told her that she could always come to me with any questions or worries she had, and I would be there to help her.
When I look back, I can see that this experience was about more than just Akande’s physical growth. It was also about our relationship as mother and daughter. Those talks brought us closer together because we shared private times of understanding and support.
As time went on, Akande got better at taking care of her period. What had once seemed overwhelming had become a normal part of her life. I was proud of how she was growing up to be a wonderful young woman.
The first time my daughter got her period was a big deal for both of us. It taught me how important it is to talk to her, be patient, and give her a safe place to ask questions and talk about her worries. Together, we helped her through this new part of her life, which made our relationship stronger.
