How to Talk to Your Child About Their First Period
My Daughter Got Her Period at Age 10 — Here's Why She Didn't Freak Out (and Neither Did I!)
4
After all the flowers and exciting phone calls, the reality of what it meant that Sadie got her period so early set in. She was lucky that it happened so calmly and neatly at home, but that's not always the case — periods can get messy! I knew the best thing we could do was to be prepared.
I made Sadie a little period pouch to keep in her school backpack that had a pair of period undies and a few different sized pads. I also packed an extra pair of undies and leggings, just in case she leaked at school. I put a pad in the inside pocket of her winter coat, and bought her a calendar so she could chart her cycle. I also have an app on my phone to track her period, just so I know what day to start expecting it.
A few friends shared that their daughters' periods were very irregular in the beginning (one got her period at age nine and then didn't get it again until 16), so I talked to Sadie about it, just so she wasn't worried if it came early or late. We also talked about the adults she can go to at school, like her fourth grade teacher (who I shared the news with), her school counselor, and the nurse.
I know talking about periods isn't the most comfortable thing in the world, but think back to what your first period was like. Was it memorable because it was so terrifying? Or was it a good experience because you were prepared and knew what was happening? I know that talking so openly about her period is what helped Sadie and I not freak out when it actually happened.
I knew girls could get their periods as early as nine, but I honestly thought Sadie wouldn't get hers until she was 13, like I was. Never in a million years did I think she'd get hers in fourth grade! So take this as a little nudge to start the conversation today, so your child can be just as prepared and excited as Sadie was. It's in your hands whether this is an awful experience or an awesome one!