Making Menarche Positive and Powerful for Both Mother and Daughter

Abstract

Psychotherapists who treat mothers with preadolescent daughters are in an excellent position to positively influence mother-daughter relationships at a time when Western societal influences are pushing them apart. Therapists are encouraged to help mothers process their own experiences with menarche, development of secondary sexual characteristics, and attitudes toward their bodies. By exploring these areas with their clients and then by encouraging the mothers to have early intimate discussions with their daughters, therapists can learn valuable information about their clients and can lay the groundwork for healthier mother-daughter relationships. Examples are given to help therapists encourage mothers to begin these difficult dialogues with their daughters. Suggestions are presented to help mothers overcome their daughters' reluctance to discuss sensitive topics of bodily maturation, menstruation, and emerging sexual development.

Key Words:

• Menarche
• menstruation
• mother-daughter connectedness
• adolescence