to ask for your thoughts on a ‘period box’ for DD

[MoonBlood]

So the time has come for my eldest DD (12) where she’s had her first show of blood overnight. We’ve talked previously about periods and that they will come one day and I mentioned getting her a bettybox when they do which she was enthusiastic about, but I’ve just searched for them online and they seem to be no more? (A bettybox was a box with a few ‘treats’ and a bit of Sanpro for tweens/young teens)

She seems happy enough to talk to me about it albeit a bit on the shy side. She’s had a cuddle and a little chat with me this morning and as I’m not able to get the box as I wanted to I thought about maybe making up a little box myself.

Thoughts were a few hot choc sachets, some paracetamol, a pack of pads, and also a a cloth bag for her to put her underwear into so she’s not embarrassed to put them in the wash and no one else will see them. Maybe some chocolate and a magazine or similar, she’s already got a hot water bottle.

Is it a good idea or is it a bit cringe? It’s one thing to get a parcel delivered with those things but it might be different coming from mum? I considered maybe leaving it in her room/on the bed so she’s not forced into a big talk or anything, it might be seen as a nice little treat or could be utterly mortifying for her! I think she’d like it but wanted to gauge some opinions first please?

[ItStartedWithAKiss241]

That sounds amazing! Please make me one too!

[TerrorWig]

I think that sounds nice .

Don’t make a big song and dance about it, just check in regularly to make sure she’s not run out and if she needs any help or advice.

[TerrorWig]

Include some of those bags to put used pads in.

[whistleinthewind]

Depends on your relationship with her and what she's like. I'd be dying if my mum did that, but certainly there will be some out there that love the effort

[teenagetantrums]

I would say it's a bit cringe. My DD at that age would have hated it. However you know your daughter and if she would like it do it.

[Charlotteli]

Aw that’s lovely. Some people will say it’s cringe but only you know your child.
If you think she’d like it then who cares if some random adults on MN think it’s crimge?

[hardboiledeggs]

That sounds lovely. I'd have loved that.

[Mynotsoperfectlittlefamily]

Cheeky Wipes do something similar but with reusable products if that's something you would consider? It also includes some period pants and make up wipes as a treat and a little bar of chocolate. There's two different starter kit options for starting a period.
www.cheekywipes.com/period-pants-uk/when-will-i-get-my-first-period-period-luxury-kit.html

[NoMorePoliticsPlease]

Its a bit cringe and makes far too much of a fuss about something that is just a part of normal life. You risk raising it to massive life changing status. By all means be positive about it. On a sparate note chocolate as a consoler/celebration/reward is never a good message.

[Cdstjooyv]

There’s something called a baebox that is similar :)

[Lllot5]

I wonder if it’s making too much of a song and dance about it.
But you know your dd best.

[Thehop]

I think it sounds lovely and I’ll do similar when dd is older.

Though I like the idea of period pants both environmentally and physically for teens.

[Lougle]

I think it's very personal. I have a draw in my bedroom where all the sanitary stuff is kept and DD's help themselves from that. DD1 has SN so having stuff in her room would not work, she'd just lose it. DD2 has ASD and is very private. Her sisters don't know she's started her period, so she just prefers me to keep all the stuff so it avoids questions and I know if it needs topping up without her having to tell me.

[MarthasGinYard]

Blimey

Sounds like a right song and dance

'Period box'

[PawPawNoodle]

Personally I wouldn't give paracetamol to a 12 year old for them to keep.

[SissySpacekAteMyHamster]

I think it's making too big a thing about it. Just make sure she us stocked up on pads, so she doesn't run out and gets embarrassed having to mention needing more.

Also, paracetamol might be a bit premature. I didnt suffer with period pain in the beginning, and didnt have it every period. Its giving her the message that they will be painful.

Not cringe, very thoughtful, but overthinking in my opinion.

[Charlotteli]

Though I like the idea of period pants both environmentally and physically for teens
Personally I don’t think many teenagers would wear them for fear of leaking or feeling ‘dirty’. Adult women of a certain demographic probably would but teens and young adults? Not sure.

[DefConOne]

I’m cringing. I’d hate that and so would my 12 year old DD. I’ve invested in period pants for her instead. She no longer has to worry about leaking at school and can go about her day as normal.

[Marieo]

It sounds thoughtful, but I would have been more scared when I first started to be honest if I had a box with paracetamol in and a bag to put my pants in, making it seems like they are dirty and should be hidden. I know that's the intention, but just make sure there's some painkillers in the cupboard and a bar of her favourite chocolate? Sounds cheesy but knowing she can talk to you about it will likely be a lot better than a box and making it a huge deal.

[AnnofPeeves]

Oh god I would have hated that and so would DD. It's just a normal bodily function in our house. If one of us wanted a hot chocolate or a paracetamol, we'd get one, rather than have them presented in a box.

[Marieo]

Not the intention*

[PussyWillowPeach]

Lovely idea, go for it.

[Reallybadidea]

Personally I think it's a bit cringe, but then I'm not a fan of 'hampers' either. In the early days of dad's periods I just tried to make sure that she had plenty of sanitary towels, that she liked the ones I'd bought, that she had plenty of black knickers and gave her a bit more attention and reassurance if she needed it.

[Reallybadidea]

Damn autocorrect. My dad doesn't have periods AFAIK.