Your daughters first period. Let’s talk about it. It is a big milestone, and as a mom, you want to make sure she feels confident, she’s educated on this topic, and comfortable for when that time comes. While it can feel overwhelming for both of you (trust me I can relate), a little preparation goes a long way in easing any fears or awkwardness she may have. This is one of those parenting moments that reminds you just how fast they’re growing up. Time truly waits for no one. Let’s talk about how to prepare yourself first (this is a change for us moms as well), then how to help your daughter(s) feel ready and empowered for this new chapter in her life.

Preparing Yourself as a Mom. We Got This!

Before you can guide your daughter with her first period, it’s important to be mentally and practically prepared yourself. Here’s how you can get ready:

1. Educate Yourself (Even If You’ve Been Through It Before!)

Honestly, we’ve all been there before, but let’s be real a lot of things have changed since we were young girls. There are so many different products out there now, from organic cotton pads to period underwear and menstrual cups. Who would’ve known lol. Take some time to research the new products that are available now so that you can help her make the best decision that will help her feel most comfortable.

2. Normalize the Conversation

Having an open conversation is the BEST thing that you can do. This will help your daughter to feel comfortable coming to you with any questions or concerns she may have. The last thing we want is for our daughters to feel like their period is something to be ashamed of. Keeping it casual will take the pressure and awkwardness off the topic! Talk about it like it’s just another part of life, because honestly that’s what it is. The more open you are, the more at ease she’ll feel. I like to casually drop period talk into normal conversation, so that it’s not a big, awkward “sit-down” moment.

3. Stock Up on Supplies BEFORE She Needs Them

Be proactive and put together a “first period kit” so she’s never caught off guard. This is really fun to create and such a cool idea. I did it for my oldest daughter. Find her a really cute personal sized pouch that she would love. Something in her favorite color, design or even something custom with her name on it. Here’s a list of things you can start with:

• Different sizes of pads – Thin, Regular, Overnight. (All flows are different)
• Flushable wipes – So she can feel fresh, and it makes for a for easy clean-up.
• Extra underwear – Accidents can happen, and you want her to be prepared.
• Travel size items– Soap, Deodorant, Body Spray, etc.
• Plastic Zip Bag – To store used pads or soiled panties if needed until she gets home.
• Something Person – A little note from you, a cute sticker, or a reminder that she’s got this!

4. Be Ready for the Emotional Side

Your daughter might have mixed emotions about her first period and that is very normal. She will be excited to grow up, but she might also feel nervous or even embarrassed. Talk to her so she knows that every feeling is valid and totally normal. This is also a great time to reassure her that her body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to do!

5. Talk To Her About Symptoms Before They Happen

Help her understand the signs that her first period might be coming soon, such as:

• Cramps (and ways to ease them)
• Mood swings
• Bloating
• Breast tenderness

Help her to understand that everyone’s experience is different, and it’s okay if she doesn’t have all the symptoms.

Helping Your Daughter Prepare for Her First Period

Now that you’re ready (some of us moms are prepared and some of us aren’t and that is ok), it’s time to help your daughter feel confident, comfortable and prepared.

1. Teach Her the Basics Without Overwhelming Her

Explain to her what a period is and why it happens. Make sure to keep it simple, but also let her know it’s nothing to be afraid of. Let her know that every girl goes through this and it’s a natural part of growing up.

2. Explaining Period Products: What They Are and How They Work

Show her what a pad is and the different sizes they come in. Show her how to place them on a pair of underwear before without them being on her. Once she is comfortable have her try putting on a pad while she has underwear on. This will help her to feel comfortable putting one on by herself. If she’s curious about tampons or period underwear, you can explain those too but remind her she doesn’t have to rush into anything. You and her can talk about what may be best or most comfortable for her and start there.

3. Bonding Moment: Pack Her First Period Kit Together

Having a small personal pouch in her backpack or purse can give her peace of mind. Start with the basics and help her build from there:

• 4 to 5 pads and maybe 2 to 3 panty liners

• Travel size pack of flushable wipes
• Travel size body spray
• A clean pair of underwear
• Take her to the store and let her pick out things she like and would want in her pouch.

Let her know this is her personal pouch so she can be prepared or for when she may need it. Pick a day out the week where you both can replenish the items that she used.

4. Teach Her to Track Her Cycle

First explain to her the importance of tracking her cycle. Once she understands that show her how to track her cycle using a calendar or a period tracking app (they have all the fancy technology lol). Allow her to choose which method feels most comfortable for her. If she prefers to write it down, buy her a small journal that has a calendar so she can track her cycle. This will help her to understand her cycle over time and predict when her next period might come.

A great website to check out is https://girlshelpinggirlsperiod.org/teaching-children-about-periods-and-menstrual-management/

5. Talk About Hygiene and Why It’s Important

Taking care of our hygiene is very important in general, however, it is even more important when it’s that time of month. Talk to her about how to keep herself extra clean while she is on her cycle. Make sure she knows how often to change her pad (every 3-4 hours, however, this can be different for everyone). Be sure to go over the proper way to wipe, the correct way to dispose of pads/tampons and cleaning her hands once she’s done. Don’t forget to tell her to not dispose of pads/tampons in the toilet.

6. Make Sure She Knows It’s Okay to Ask for Help

Reassure her that you’re always there if she ever has a question, concerns or just want to talk about how she is feeling. Make sure she knows if she runs out of supplies at school, she can go to the nurse, a teacher, or even ask a friend. Let her know that most girls her age and women are super supportive and will understand what she’s going through, so she doesn’t feel alone or embarrassed.

7. Role-Play Different Scenarios

No one wants to be caught off guard. Practice different situations so she feels ready. Listen we may not be actors in the movies lol, but this could be a fun activity and can help remove the overwhelming feeling.

• What she should do if she gets her period at school

• How to discreetly carry her supplies (This is where her personal pouch comes in)
• How to ask a teacher or friend for help if needed

Making Her Feel Comfortable and Confident

I’m sure our goal as moms is to help our daughters embrace this experience and not dread it (let’s be honest, some of us growing up didn’t have the best experience). There are ways to help her feel confident and comfortable about this new phase she will experience:

• Celebrate each milestone: Whether it’s a small gift, a fun movie night, a mini shopping spree or just a special mom-daughter outing where you both can talk alone will make help this a positive experience.
• Reassure her that she’s not alone: Be open with her. Share your own first-period experience (especially the funny parts!). This will help her to feel connected to you and make her feel more comfortable because you have been through it as well.
• Teach her how to handle accidents calmly: Show her how to tie a sweater around her waist just in case she leaks through her clothes. Also buy her a pair of leggings that she can keep in her backpack or her locker in case she may need them.
• Keep an open line of communication: Make sure she knows that she can always come to you with questions she may have, no matter what. Mom knows best is a real thing!
• Keep extra supplies around: Keep a stockpile of pads and wipes in the bathroom at home so she doesn’t have to call you to bring her some. Keep extra supplies in the car, her backpack for school, her sports bag or anywhere else she might need them.

Mom-to-Mom Takeaway

Your daughter’s first period is very a big deal (but don’t make it a big deal lol). This new experience doesn’t have to be stressful or overwhelming. Taking the time to prepare both of you will make this new journey positive. This will ensure that she is confident and ready when that time comes but it will always help you how to handle this new change. Remember, this is just one small part of her journey into womanhood but she’s very lucky to have you there with her guiding along the way.

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