By Anjum Choudhry Nayyar
Do you remember going to summer camp? Yup, me neither. While many of us South Asian moms may not have been enrolled in summer camps by our own parents, the summer can be a great time to give our daughters the chance to explore an experience that can help them test their limits, feel independent and make lasting relationships (without our supervision!).
While picking the right camp for your daughter is important, so is giving her the tools to avoid embarrassing summer pitfalls. Preparing your daughter for her time away is key, as is helping her pack the essentials. Whether she’s swimming, playing sports or camping outdoors, your daughter is going to sweat. And unlike the dreaded hair-removal conversation, my mom was more apt to arm with me deodorant than she was to give in to giving me a razor!
Before camp, it’s important to not only be prepared to talk with her about the changes she might be experiencing, but also to be proactive. She may be hesitant to bring it up, but will likely be relieved if you come to her.
Starting the Conversation
So you’re armed with answers for your daughter, but don’t know where to start. We know it can be just as uncomfortable for moms as it is for daughters to bring this stuff up.
Set aside some one-on-one time, but keep it casual. You might start by talking about your own experiences. This will reassure her that she’s not the only one going through this.
You can also direct her to BeingGirl, a place for girls, by girls, where they can learn and share about the changes they’re experiencing.
The Right Secret® For Her
There are a lot of different products to combat perspiration and body odour, so how do you choose which one is right for your daughter?
Secret® Scent Expressions® are a great option for girls. With five unique scents to choose from, she’ll have fun picking the sparkly one that fits her personality. Plus, the body splashes are a great way for her to experience fun scents without going to perfume.
Excessive Sweating
If your daughter suffers from excessive sweating, she may be too embarrassed to talk to you about it. By addressing the subject head-on, you give her the opportunity to open up and let her know there is help available.
What Can You Do?
This excessive sweating can cause your daughter anxiety and depression. She may isolate herself, avoiding activities she previously enjoyed in an effort to prevent embarrassment, so it’s really important to give her emotional support. Take some time to learn more about excessive sweating before you talk with her.
Talking to Her
Once you know the facts, sit down with her and let her know that you understand what she’s going through. Let her know she’s not alone and that you’re going to help her tackle this problem. Share what you’ve learned, ask questions about how it’s affecting her, and let her know there are ways to get it under control.
Secret® Clinical will give her the clinically proven odour and wetness protection she needs. All she has to do is apply it at night and she’ll be protected for the entire next day. In fact, it lasts at least 24 hours. So even if she showers the next morning, she’s got wetness protection.
Camp and Her Period
The key here is comfort! She needs to be comfortable while on her period and not be worried about how to balance her activities at camp with her cycle. Reassure her that she will be able to stay active during her period. When she’s 10 years old or has had her period for a number of months already, explain how to insert a tampon, or go to BeingGirl for a how-to video. Help her overcome any fear of tampons by getting her one that offers comfort and easy insertion, such as Tampax Pearl Plastic Tampons. Tampax tampons have smooth plastic applicators and rounded tips, plus contoured Anti-Slip Grip™ to make the applicator easy to hold and position. So they’re a perfect choice for a young girl’s first experience with tampons.
If she’s going away to camp for more than just a few weeks, help her be prepared.
Hard-to-predict cycles can make the first year of your daughter’s period intense, and she may become frustrated. Build her confidence by suggesting she wear pant liners every day to avoid any embarrassing accidents. Encourage her to keep a period calendar to track her cycle so she knows when to expect it. One of the best ways to explain the different types of protection to her is to take her to the store to see the options. But make sure you know ahead of time which products you’d recommend, because she’ll likely be embarrassed in the aisle!
As we moms know, when you’re on your period, tampons may be the only choice when you’re hoping to jump into the lake without making a scene. Help give your daughter a small carrying case that’s waterproof to carry tampons and other essentials so that she doesn’t feel self-conscious about others knowing when she’s on her period.
Camp uniforms may also be more revealing than her usual clothes so hiding a bulky pad may not be so easy.
7 Things Your Daughter May Want to Know About Tampons 
Are you considering using tampons for the first time? If so, there is a lot you should know about this easy-to-use period protection. And you might just be surprised! Here are seven things you may not know about tampons.
1. Tampons are Easy to Insert
It may take a few tries, but once you find your vaginal opening and position the tampon at the right angle, it glides in easily and painlessly. Each box of tampons comes with directions, and some include pictures. Also consider using a plastic applicator for a more comfortable insertion. For your first few tries, it may help to use a mirror so you can see what’s going on down there.
2. Tampons Help You Feel Clean and Fresh for up to 8 Hours
Because menstrual blood is absorbed before it hits the air and causes any odor, there’s no unpleasant smell or feeling while wearing a tampon. An important note: it’s extremely important that girls understand a tampon should not be worn for longer than 8 hours. She should wear the lowest absorbency tampon for her needs.
3. Tampons Won’t Disrupt Your Activities
A tampon is the protection of choice when you’re exercising or doing other physical activities. You can feel confident a tampon will stay in place while you’re on the move. Unlike with a pad, you can even wear it while you swim, and when you’re done exercising, you don’t have to take it out to shower.
4. Tampons handle all Flows and Protect Against Leaks
Tampons are available in a range of absorbencies for all types of flow levels. After using tampons for one or two periods, you will learn how often you need to change your tampon to prevent leaks. It’s best to change your tampon every four to eight hours, as needed. If it gets saturated in less than four hours, try a heavier absorbency tampon. If after eight hours your tampon still isn’t saturated and isn’t easy to remove, try a lighter absorbency next time. If you’re wearing the right size tampon for your flow, and pay attention to your body and its needs, you can have great protection every time.
5. Tampons Stay in Place When You go to the Bathroom
Because a tampon goes into your vagina to absorb menstrual fluid, you won’t have any trouble using the restroom. Tampons don’t interfere with your other bodily functions. You can use the bathroom freely without having to change your tampon every time. Just move the string to the side to keep it clean, and you’re good to go.
6. Tampons Allow You to Wear What You Want
You don’t have to change your look just because you are on your period. With tampons, you have nothing to hide — except for a small string. You just have to make sure it is tucked away where no one can see. So wear your favorite jeans or that fabulous skirt. You can also wear a tampon with a ballet leotard, swimsuit, and yoga pants — you name it, and a tampon can handle it.
7. Tampons Help You Forget About Your Period
When you’re not worried about something showing through your pants or slipping out of place — and you don’t feel something between your legs as a constant reminder you have your period — you’re free to forget about your period and get back to what you love.
For more info send your daughter to beinggirl.com
This post was sponsored by P&G Everyday, Always and Tampax.
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