Practical Preparations for Your Daughter’s First Period: How and What to Teach

The best time to start talking about periods is before she gets her first one, usually around ages 8-10. Some girls start as early as 9, while others may not get theirs until 15. The key is to prepare her before it happens.

You don’t need a formal “period talk.” Instead, make it part of casual conversations.

• “Hey sweetheart, have you ever heard about periods?”

• “Did you know your body will start changing in a special way?”

• “I want to tell you about something amazing that happens to all girls as they grow up.”

Keep it light, friendly, and open-ended so she feels comfortable asking questions.

Your daughter doesn’t need a biology lecture but just the basics.

• What is a period? “Every month, your body prepares for a baby. If there’s no baby, your body sheds the extra lining, and that’s your period!”

• How long does it last? Usually 3-7 days, but it varies.

• How often will she get it? Around every 28 days, though cycles may be irregular at first.

• Signs her first period is coming soon:

• Breast development

• Pubic hair growth

• Mood swings

• White vaginal discharge (usually 6 months to a year before her first period)

To avoid panic when her first period arrives, help her put together a period kit for school and home. It should include:

• Regular pads (for day use)

• Overnight pads (for heavy flow)

• Extra underwear (for emergencies)

• Wet wipes (for hygiene)

• Small disposal bags (for used pads)

Encourage her to keep one in her school bag and another at home.

Start with pads—they’re the easiest for beginners. Show her:

• How to place a pad correctly in underwear.

• When to change it (every 4-6 hours or when full).

• How to dispose of it properly (wrap it up and throw it in the bin, not the toilet).

You can also introduce tampons or menstrual cups later if she’s comfortable.

Periods can feel messy, but good hygiene helps her stay fresh and comfortable.

• Bathe daily to stay clean.

• Change underwear regularly to avoid odor.

• Use the right pad size—regular for light days, overnight for heavier days.

• Avoid scented products as they can cause irritation.

Not every girl gets cramps, but if she does, here are simple ways to manage them:

• Drink plenty of water to reduce bloating.

• Do light exercise like yoga or walking.

• Use a heating pad on the lower belly for relief.

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, veggies, and iron.

• Get enough rest—sleep is important for comfort and energy.

Help her track her cycle so she knows when to expect her period.

• Mark it on a calendar—note the first day of each period.

• Use a period tracking app (like Flo or Clue) for reminders.

Tracking helps her stay prepared and understand her body better.

One of the biggest concerns girls have is getting their period at school. Reassure her that she can handle it.

• Keep a period kit in her school bag.

• Ask the teacher for a bathroom break if needed.

• Wear dark-colored pants on heavy flow days for confidence.

• If she leaks, wrap a sweater around her waist and go to the restroom.

• If she forgets a pad, ask a teacher, school nurse, or friend.

Remind her: Most girls at school go through the same thing. It’s normal!

Your daughter might have a lot of questions. Here’s how to answer them in a simple way:

• “How long will my period last?” – Usually 3-7 days, but it varies.

• “Will it be painful?” – Cramps can happen, but there are ways to manage them.

• “Can I go swimming during my period?” – Yes! Tampons or menstrual cups allow swimming without leaks.

• “Will people know I have my period?” – No! Pads and tampons are discreet, and no one can tell unless you tell them.

• “What if I get my period at school and don’t have a pad?” – Ask a teacher or friend—most schools keep emergency supplies.

Some girls feel nervous or embarrassed about periods. You can help by:

• Talking openly—make periods a normal topic.

• Sharing your experience—a funny or relatable story can help.

• Reassuring her that she’s not alone.

• Encouraging her to ask questions—no question is “weird” or “wrong.”

If she seems anxious, remind her:

• Every girl goes through this.

• Her body is amazing and strong.

• She can always come to you with any questions.

You can say something like:

“I know this feels like a lot, but don’t worry! I’m always here to help you.”

Your daughter’s first period doesn’t have to be scary—with the right preparation, she can feel confident and ready.

By having open, supportive, and practical conversations, you’re helping her embrace this new phase of life with confidence and knowledge.

So, start the conversation early, keep it casual, and most importantly, let her know she’s never alone on this journey.