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when you have that "other" talk about the birds and the bees.

Think Vitruvian Man! Okay, so now you're standing in front of your child with your feet together and your arms stretched out. With your arms still out flex your wrists and make a fist. There you're all done. Now, all you have to do now is name the parts.

1. Ovaries - fists
2. Fallopian tubes the forearm and arms

3. Uterus - torso (chest and abdomen). Remember the lower part of the uterus is the cervix which extends into the vagina.

Covering the female anatomy makes it easier for your child to understand her body and the changes she will experience when she gets her first period. Having a conversation about menstruation with a child is difficult for most parents. So, add the incentive to make sure they are paying attention. It will make the moment memorable and you would have bonded with your child in a new way. My sister is now 19 and since that day she has always felt comfortable to talk to me about anything.

Preparation:

Some of the anxiety associated with getting your first period is that the moment is unexpected. While girls would prefer to have their periods at home, it could also happen when they are in school. That dreadful red spot on your clothes is an embarrassing situation that can be prevented with preparation. Make sure your child keeps a change of clothes and pads or tampons in their school locker. To keep the cramping of PMS at bay make sure acetaminophen or ibuprofen is close at hand.

Determining when adolescent girls begin menstruation is difficult. Watching out for signs such as breast growth, underarm and pubic hairs are helpful indicators that menstruation is on its way. Take your child to the doctor for a routine check-up and don't forget to communicate and prepare her for the changes ahead.

Learn more about this author, JL Francis.
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