When you think of your period, a party probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Cramps, headaches, cravings, mood swings – it’s a huge inconvenience, right?
But it’s also a huge milestone for girls – anticipated eagerly by some and with dread by others. If you’re the parent or guardian of a young girl, you have the unique opportunity to help her ease into this new season armed with confidence, an empowering knowledge of her body, and a cute Period Kit to keep on hand whenever she may need it.
When does menstruation usually start?
In the United States, the average age of menarche (your first period) is 12. However, it is extremely common for it to happen anywhere between the age of 8 (yes, you read that correctly!) and 15. That’s why it’s crucial to begin talking about menstruation openly, honestly, and early. The last thing you want is for your daughter to be scared or embarrassed when it happens!
Best Period Products for Girls
Below you’ll find some of our favorite period products for tweens and teens, from books and cycle tracking apps to how to build a super cute Period Kit to keep in her backpack, gym bag, purse, or locker.
Books About Hygiene & Menstruation
Always make sure your girl knows she can come bring questions to you without judgement! You can read these books together or give them to her to process privately, but whichever you choose, DON’T MAKE IT WEIRD. Be honest about your own experiences, tips, and embarrassing stories so she knows it’s normal – but also reassure her that she is prepared and that her body is doing something incredible!
- Revenge of the Red Club (fiction)
- Go with the Flow (fiction)
- Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret (fiction)
- The Care & Keeping of You (Book 1, Book 2 non-fiction)
- Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!) (non-fiction)
- HelloFlo The Guide, Period (non-fiction)
- Is This Normal? (non-fiction)
- The Period Book: A Girl’s Guide to Growing Up (non-fiction)
5 Best Apps for Tracking Her Cycle
In the beginning, her period will be hit-and-miss. It can take up to two years for her cycles to become regular and follow a more predictable schedule, but that doesn’t mean she can’t start tracking it now! Using an app will allow her to see patterns in her menstrual cycle and give her a visual illustration of exactly what’s happening and what to expect next. If your daughter doesn’t have her own device, you can still download an app to your phone and help her keep an eye on here cycle that way. Of course, a plain old paper calendar will also do the trick – but apps are so much easier and do all the math for you.
Demystify the process and prevent frustration and uncertainty by empowering her to take control of her body & her health!
- MagicGirl (specifically for tweens & teens!)
- Period Tracker
- Clue
- Flo
- Cycles
Period Products for Tweens & Teens
Every body is built differently, and every girl is built with her own preferences – that’s why we’re so glad to see that pads and tampons have come such a long way in the last 30 years! In addition to disposable pads and tampons available in any drug or box store, girls just beginning their menstruation journey might also fall in love with these sustainable options.
Our personal faves are THINX BTWN for tweens and teens. They can be worn alone or along with another period product to guarantee zero leaks!
How to Make A Fabulous First Period Kit
After you’ve read the books, downloaded an app, and chosen which menstrual options are the best fit for her, it’s time for the real fun to begin! Remember, you might not be with her when her first period arrives – but you can make sure she’s armed and ready with everything she needs.
If she has room in her backpack or locker, a clean pair of jeans or shorts is smart to keep on hand, just in case! Otherwise, let her choose a cute zipper pouch and fill it with these items for her to keep close by at all times (don’t forget to make sure her bathroom at home is stocked, too!).
- A super Cute zipper pouch
- Advil, Tylenol, or Midol for cramps (check age requirements & make sure she understands proper dosage)
- Period panties, cups, pads or tampons (or a mix!)
- Mini-pack of feminine wipes
- Emergency chocolate!
This article was originally published in 2020. Some of the links to our favorite products in this article may be affiliate links.
