How to Talk to Your Daughter About Her First Period (Without Making It Awkward)

Puberty is a big milestone in a girl’s life, and getting her first period can be both exciting and a little scary. As a mom, you want to be her safe space, making sure she knows what’s coming and feels comfortable asking questions. But how do you bring it up? What if she gets embarrassed? What if you get embarrassed?

Take a deep breath, mama. This conversation doesn’t have to be awkward or formal. In fact, the more natural and open it feels, the better. Let’s walk through the best ways to talk to your daughter about menstruation, when to start the conversation, and how to make sure she feels confident and prepared.

The best time to start talking about periods is before she actually gets one. Most girls hit puberty between ages 8-13, and the first period usually arrives between 9-15. If she’s around 9 or 10, it’s a good idea to start the conversation.

Why so early? Because knowledge is power! You don’t want her to be caught off guard or learn incorrect information from friends or the internet.

Talking about puberty shouldn’t feel like a big, dramatic “we need to talk” moment. Instead, bring it up naturally in everyday life. Here are a few simple ways to start:

1. Use Everyday Moments

• While watching a movie where a female character talks about periods, casually say:

“Hey, have you ever wondered when girls get their first period?”

• If you’re buying pads or tampons at the store, say:

“I use these every month. Do you know why?”

These moments make it feel less like a lecture and more like a normal conversation.

2. Share Your Own Experience

A great way to put her at ease is by sharing your own first-period story. Something like:

“You know, when I got my first period, I was at school, and I had no idea what was happening! I wish someone had told me what to expect. That’s why I want to talk to you about it now.”

By making it personal, you show her it’s a natural thing every woman goes through.

3. Ask Her What She Already Knows

Sometimes kids pick up bits and pieces from friends, school, or social media. Before jumping into explanations, ask her:

“Hey, have you heard about periods before? What do you know about them?”

This way, you can correct any myths or misunderstandings right away.

When explaining menstruation, keep it simple and reassuring. Here’s a good way to put it:

“Every month, your body prepares for a baby, even though you’re still young. When there’s no baby, your body naturally cleans itself out. That’s what a period is—a sign that your body is healthy and working as it should!”

Also, let her know:

Your daughter might have lots of questions (or none at all). Be ready for things like:

❓ Does it hurt? → “Sometimes there’s a little cramping, like a tummy ache, but there are ways to make it better warm water bottles, light exercise, and rest!”

❓ What if it happens at school? → “We’ll make you a period kit with pads and an extra pair of underwear. If it happens, just go to the restroom and take care of it.”

❓ Will everyone know? → “Nope! Pads and tampons are designed to be discreet. No one can tell unless you tell them.”

❓ Why do only girls get periods? → “Because only girls’ bodies prepare for pregnancy, even when they’re young. It’s just how our bodies work!”

1. Create a Period Kit

Before she gets her first period, prepare a small pouch with:

• Pads (regular and overnight)

• Extra underwear

• Wet wipes

• A small bag for disposal

This way, she’ll feel ready no matter where she is.

2. Normalize the Conversation

Talk about periods casually, not just once but whenever it feels natural. If she feels like it’s a secretive or embarrassing topic, she may hesitate to ask for help.

3. Let Her Know She Can Come to You Anytime

Reassure her that there’s no such thing as a silly question. You might say:

“You can always ask me anything about your body, no judgment, just love”

If your daughter seems uncomfortable, don’t push it. Give her a book or a video about puberty so she can learn in her own time. You could say:

“I know this can feel awkward, so here’s a book that explains everything. If you ever want to talk, I’m here!”

Sometimes, letting her process things privately first makes her more open to discussing it later.

Talking to your daughter about periods doesn’t have to be stressful. The key is to make it a natural, ongoing conversation rather than a one-time talk. Keep it light, reassuring, and judgment-free.

And remember, this isn’t just about menstruation. It’s about showing your daughter that she can trust you with anything. When she knows she can come to you about periods, she’ll feel comfortable coming to you about everything else in life, too.

You’re doing great, mama!