How to provide psychological counseling for children during their menstrual period

Menstruation, also known as a period, is a normal physiological process. When a child starts menstruating, psychological support and guidance can be provided through various approaches, including early education about the menstrual cycle, empathizing with emotional changes, offering comfortable daily support, helping them understand physical responses, and encouraging open expression of feelings. The details are as follows:

1. Educate in advance about menstruation: Before a child's first period, use simple, age-appropriate language to explain the causes of menstruation, its typical duration, and hygiene practices. Help the child understand that menstruation is a normal part of development, reducing fear or anxiety caused by lack of knowledge.

2. Empathize and accept emotional fluctuations: When a child experiences irritability, sadness, or mood swings, avoid criticism or dismissal. Instead, validate their feelings by saying things like, "It's completely normal to feel emotionally unsettled when your body feels uncomfortable during your period." This helps the child feel understood and reduces psychological stress.

3. Provide comfortable daily support: Prepare adequate menstrual supplies and warm clothing for the child. Lighten their household responsibilities as needed to prevent added fatigue from worsening discomfort or negative emotions. Create a relaxed and supportive home environment.

4. Guide them to view physical symptoms positively: If the child is troubled by symptoms such as cramps or bloating, explain that these are usually temporary and can often be relieved with heat packs or rest. This prevents excessive focus on discomfort, which could lead to increased psychological burden.

5. Encourage open expression of feelings: Gently ask about the child’s needs—such as, “How are you feeling now? Do you need any help?”—to encourage them to speak up about discomfort and prevent emotional suppression that might affect their mental well-being.

Psychological support should be tailored to the child’s age and developmental stage, and it requires patience and consistency. If a child experiences severe mood swings, persistent anxiety, or intense physical discomfort during menstruation, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to rule out underlying health issues and obtain targeted guidance.