The average age to begin menstruating is approximately 11 years, but it is not the fixed as anytime between 10 and 16 is normal. The other changes include pubic hair growth and breast development, which may be experienced by most girls at least a couple of years before menstruating. Some girls might be impatient for their first period to come. Others may not be so enthusiastic. And it’s normal to behave either way.

The topic of menstruation is very sensitive and personal, and the talk that you have with your child will involve the physical and emotional aspects of reaching puberty. A mother can begin by sharing when and where she first got her period and any fears that she had during that time.
Menstruation marks a big change for girls, so it makes sense that they may want to talk about it. Prior to menstruation, girls will develop breast buds and pubic hair growth, so the parent does get some warning. Girls should be taught about menstruation at the time they start developing.

Emphasize that it is normal and healthy for young women to menstruate, and talk to her about how to use sanitary napkins and how often to change them. Encourage your child to discuss any question she has with either of you, and let her know the lines of communication are always open. Good parent-teen relationships and communications are vital when raising teenagers.
The first thing you can do is to be comfortable. The talks must have factual details as well as emotional reassurance. You would also need to describe how the menstrual cycle works.

Menstrual periods are a completely natural part of being a woman, so it’s important that girls understand how their bodies work. Some girls may be concerned that they are losing too much blood. A simple reassurance that explains that the blood that comes out during a girl'’ period may seem like a lot, but usually it’s not. Some girls may be concerned about the sudden weight gain around their first period. The body is busy storing fat as it prepares for new changes. Parents need to emphasize that this weight gain is a necessary and normal part of developing into a woman. Also explain the hygiene care during the cycle.

Talk about the common symptoms includes cramps, mood swings, tender breasts, headache and irritability. Regular exercise and avoiding food that contains a lot of caffeine, sugar or salt can help. Explain that boys change in different ways during puberty, like the deepening of their voices and the growth of facial hair. Getting her period means a girl can have a baby. Do talk about the duration of the period as they are likely to compare theirs with others. It varies for each girl, but some girls have their period for three days and others have it for a week. A period can be light, moderate, or heavy, and there can be a total of a few tablespoons of blood or up to as much as half a cup. This can vary from period to period in the same girl.