Your little girl is growing up – and you want her to be prepared for her body changes which is why, you have started talking to her about periods.
You’ve had the period talk, now you need to make sure she has the tools to be prepared for it should it happen at school. Plus you never know, maybe one of her friends might get her period at school and not be prepared.
The scary thing is that girls seem to be getting their period younger and younger.
I know quite a few 10 year olds that have their periods – so it best to prepare them early – for any possibility!
A school Period Kit is a must – the period kit that is perfect for your tween or teen daughter, so she has everything she needs for when that day happens!
Signs Your Daughter is Nearing Her First Period
There are a few indicators that may signal that your daughter is nearing her first period. They can include budding breasts, growth of pubic hair (if she is open enough to share that information) and perhaps is getting hormonal and crankier than usual.
It’s good to be open and talk about what to expect with your daughter so she is both mentally prepared as well as physically prepared with a first period kit.
Putting the kit together (going shopping for all the ‘ingredients’) is also a great bonding exercise and a way to get your daughter to open up about what she is thinking and feeling about growing up.
The Average Age of a First Period
Today’s average age of a first period is 12 years old. But a first period can start as early as eight years old, and as late as fifteen.
If your daughter reaches her sixteenth birthday without a first period, make sure she gets checked out by your local GP just to make sure there is nothing wrong!
Dads Should Be Prepared Too!
If you are living in a separated household, make sure Dad is on the same page with being prepared – just in case it happens at his house!
Dads – make sure you stock your house with the following items and let your daughter know where they are so she has easy access to them (because asking may be mortifying for her!).
I know, I know, the thought of shopping for sanitary items can freak you out – but I recommend that this should be normalised and talked about in the household as much as sex is. But that’s a whole other topic. I digress..
So, Dad if you are super-uncomfortable about talking to your daughter about menstruation, liaise with Mum or the closest, available female family or friend to ensure she is getting the right information from a reputable source.
An alternative to that can be a book, a trusted person or even a good Youtube video.
Sons Should Know About Periods, Too!
As a mother of only boys, I think it is imperative that they too know about first periods and period kits, and how to help if they spot a girl who is obviously bleeding without realising it.
I have taught my boys that if this happens, to quietly and respectfully let her know away from others so that she can tend to it without being teased – because kids can be cruel.
Will Her Periods Be Regular from the Start?
For the first year of a girl’s first period, it usually won’t be regular. She may have her first period and then have nothing for the next six months. It usually takes a couple of years for menstruation to settle into a normal rhythm of monthly (or thereabouts).
What you will need for a First Period Kit
A Cute Pouch or Pencil Case
A large pencil case is a great ‘container’ for your daughter’s period kit, plus it is a good way to ‘hide it in plain sight’ – especially if your daughter is embarrassed about getting her period at school (which most girls are until they get used to the idea).
If she grabs her pencil case out of her bag, or if it falls out, she is less likely to be embarrassed about it rather than having a pink or purple purse that screams ‘I’m bleeding from my vagina!’.
Pads, Tampons, Menstrual Cups or Period Undies?
Before considering the traditional choice of Pads and Tampons, for a light flow, I would recommend a better alternative – menstrual cups. These are even great for young girls who are awaiting their first period as it will catch any flow and they are machine washable.
Now Pads or Tampons? Whatever your daughter is more comfortable with.
Most younger girls are more comfortable with pads, to begin with, and will start using tampons when they are a little older. It is even a good idea to have a combination of both for really heavy days. Remember young girls doing sports or swimming will probably be more comfortable with tampons.
Explain to your daughter how to use them, and tell her to practise insertion at home! Mini tampons and mini pads are available at the supermarket for younger girls. Another option is the tampons with applicators – they are a little bulkier – but really great for young users to get the tampon positioned correctly.
Remember it is about her choice though – offer them both and see which she is more comfortable with.
What about Menstrual Cups?
Menstrual Cups are a terrific eco-friendly and waste-free way to deal with your period. But they may be tricky for a first-timer. Most people stick to traditional pads and tampons at first – and once your daughter has got the hang of using them – consider a menstrual cup.
But there are now a lot of menstrual cups specifically designed for teenagers and it comes with its own case so it won’t get lost in school bags.
Period Underwear/Panty Liners
When girls first get their periods, their cycle can be all over the shop. This is where panty liners come in handy. They will catch any initial flow, and keep undies and hopefully clothing free of stains. Pantyliners are also a great way to train girls just before they get their periods on how to use pads.
Plus they are less ‘I’m wearing a mattress between my legs’ feeling.
Panty Liners come in a few different materials now – the more natural cotton panty liners or the breathable bamboo panty liners.
There are loads of companies that make gorgeous period-proof undies now – here are just a few of them to check out:
Deodorant
With hormones racing around the body, body odour can become a big problem. Plus, many girls are also very self-conscious about the ‘smell’ of having their period. Let your daughter choose a good quality deodorant or body spray to make her feel comfortable and confident for her School Period Kit.
Hint: The Dove Cotton Fresh deodourant is great for teenage body odour and smells really fresh and clean. It is a great choice.
Wet Wipes or Baby Wipes
Wipes are great for everything. They are especially great at cleaning up any messes without having to use water. Great at cleaning under the arms should she need it too. Small packets of wipes that will fit beautifully into a Period Kit pencil case are available in the travel section of the supermarket. They are great not only for cleaning but to spot stains as well and to just freshen up!
Little travel packets of wipes are available at most supermarkets.
A Change of Underwear
Just in case – always pack a spare pair of underpants in the pencil case/period kit. Black is the perfect colour for teen period underwear.
Ziplock Bags or Plastic Bag
To store any soiled clothing. Or if she finds herself in a place with nowhere to dispose of used sanitary products safely – that way, it is discreet and can be wrapped and popped back into the pencil case/period kit until she gets home!
Some Panadol Tablets
You will have to okay it with the school first, but if your daughter gets particularly painful periods, having a couple of panadol in her period kit will help ease those pains until she can get a hot water bottle on her tummy!
Chocolate
Because chocolate always makes things feel better when you feel your baby box is trying to climb out of your vagina.
Any other suggestions you can think of to include in your daughter’s first period kit?
Have your say!