Here are a few tips on how to broach the topic.

Be open with her at this stage. She should not be scared of approaching you with questions. "The anatomy and functioning of hormones should be explained in the simplest terms,' says Gynaecologist, Dr. Sudha Tandon. Emphasise the importance of personal hygiene. Tell her that she needs to change her sanitary napkin every every 6 hours.

• Tell her that all women go through it and there is nothing to be scared of or embarrassed about. "If her first period is late, explain that every woman's body is different. For some, it starts late," says Psychologist, Sonali Gupta.
  
  
• Clear common myths regarding periods. For example, you are not supposed to enter the kitchen or eat pickle at that time of the month. "Deal with common myths one-by-one. Explain the facts behind each of them," says Dr. Sudha.
  
  
• Do your homework before you speak to her. "You might not know all the right information. So get your facts straight before you talk to her," says Sonali. Go to a gynaecologist, read books or go online.

Also, your daughter might also have heard stories from her friends. "Children might not know what is right and wrong. You should give her true facts," says Dr. Sudha.