Did I deal with this okay?

[momsybear]

DD2 and DP have noro. Me and DD12 ok so far. Been a stressful night caring and cleaning up sick. Then, when I finally sat down with a small plate of dinner and a glass of wine 12yo told me she'd started her period tonight. Asked her if she was ok, if she needs chocolate or painkillers and if she has enough san pro. She did but admitted she didn't know how to use san pro so I showed her. But she's gone to bed saying I'm sooo embarrassing. Maybe it's normal or ok to feel like a failure after this experience or maybe I'm just exhausted haha. I just always remember the moment I told my mum and how embarrassed I was and wanted her to do better!. Did I do ok? What are your experiences and memories? Am I overthinking?

You did just fine

Whatever you did would have been embarrassing!

I agree that whatever you did would be embarrassing for your DD. Not sure what more you could do and at that age I definitely preferred for it not to be made into a big deal.

Thank you so much @Tilllly. I wouldn't have undermined DD's confidence if she hadn't wanted me to tell DP but feeling utterly unprepared 😬 appreciate the reassurance

Ah, how exciting!
My DD got her period on the first day of a holiday in a different country, it was a national holiday, all shops were closed, we had to search for a pharmacy. I had packed two pads just in case - lucky! I took her for a hot chocolate and she was very excited to be fair.
Whatever you do, don't overthink it:-)

That's how I started too! In Italy on a Sunday! My mum basically said we'll go shopping tomorrow and are you telling your dad or should I? I didn't want my dad to know but I'm also a bit er, I'm not with DD12s dad and someone needs to prep him or her to tell him

My DD is sat next to me so I asked her how she remembers getting her period (3 and a half years ago) and she said she was feeling quite scared to begin with, but that she quickly got over it. She's actually been mostly using period pants rather than pads, so there's that to consider now.
We've never made an issue about periods or hidden from dad.
Now waiting for my second DD11 to get her period, that will be fun as she has a massive blood phobia

Ouch! Good luck! I got her 3 pairs of period pants about a year ago to try out. Know she needs more but as a trial. Thank you for sharing your eldest's experience ❤️

My mum sat me down at about age 10 and talked me through everything. I was mortified but she said she did it as her mum didn't tell her anything and she didn't want me to have the same shock she did. It made me see my mum in a different way for the first time and I think it was the start of our more adult relationship - we are the only girls in our family and we're so close.

I actually started age 12 in a football club loo. My brother played football for a local team and we had travelled for a match that day and we were in the clubhouse for some post match food.

I was again, mortified and couldn't face going into a clubhouse packed with 14 year old boys. I waited in the tiny cubicle, knowing my mum would eventually come and find me. She did and she was so kind and discreet and gave me a pad she was keeping in her handbag for me, just in case. I love my mum!

Anyway, you sound like you did fine. Am I being thick however - what is san pro?

Short for sanitary protection ie pads, tampons etc