First period talk!

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My daughter (11) has hormonal acne (the gp has sorted it and it’s clearing up) and I’ve now noticed she has started getting pubic hair.
the doctor said she’d guess it’ll happen within 6 months.

I’ve already discussed periods with her, and what to expect (my own mother never spoke to me about it and I woke up one morning thinking I’m dying 😅)

she’s very chill about it, we’ve got a very close relationship and she knows she can tell me anything or ask questions if she needs to.

im currently starting a period basket for her! I’m thinking period knickers , pads, a cute pad case to put in her bag , a lavender wheat bag in case she gets cramps, chocolate (an essential) , a lady shaver (this is there just in case she does decide to experiment with hair removal, and I feel it’s safer than a razor to start with while she gets the hang of it, she knows body hair is normal and that it’s her choice), moisturiser, some skincare bits (simple as it’s gentle), fluffy socks and pyjamas to get comfy after her period starts. Maybe some feminine wipes? And aveeno bath stuff? She can’t have bath bombs due to eczema.

does anyone have any more suggestions? How did you find your child’s first period? Is there anything you could recommend or wish you’d have done/purchased? I’d love to hear about it as it’s all very new for me in regards to having a child start their period! I just want to make it as positive as possible! And for her to know it’s ok.

Lord,such overkill.

I just gave her pads for her school bag and keep some inthe house.

she actually got her first period on scout camp and they celebrated with chocolate cake.

i certainly did not provide shaving equipment. We are encouraging positive body image our family.

I just asked my DD who is now fifteen what she thought and she said “how embarrassing.”

I did this for my daughter too.
I also included a book about periods in ASD they had questions they didn't want to ask me.
Lilets do a tween starter kit in a little zipped bag with different pads and panty liners in to try
You can buy complete kits on Amazon that may give you some ideas

amzn.eu/d/6xERJdv

Jesus Christ you might as well put some balloons and candles in there while you're at it😄

Seriously though, I don't think going over the top like that is a good idea at all. You want her to know that it's normal and part of life and instead you're making it into a huge and dramatic thing.

Just to say my DD 11 hates pads which led on to period pants being unused and a total waste of money! so now she uses tampons. I have her cycle on an app so I can check if her moods are period related

You can do that with your own child if you want.

periods are a big deal, and they’re awful. My daughter has many years of discomfort ahead , so I think the least she deserves is a bit of a treat for her first ever experience of the dreadful things.
people can have their own opinions, and think that because it’s natural that girls just have to tough it out like they once did. My own opinion is I disagree wholeheartedly! Periods suck! And my child doesn’t have to tough it out just because she’s a female. It’s okay to feel like rubbish, and it’s okay to encourage some self care and positivity surrounding it. Young girls have so much to deal with as they grow up! Making things a little easier for them isn’t a bad thing.
“here’s a pad, get on with it” just isn’t me as a parent.

Thankyou I’ll look into that! A book sounds like a good idea too!

Do you use flo? I’ll look into apps. I suppose it’s great to track periods regardless!

Pampering and support is needed though. Or are we still living in the 90s where women didn’t talk about this stuff and nobody cared about women’s health?

I didn’t know period bikini bottoms existed! Thanks for that. I was just thinking about swimming etc. I’ve never personally liked using tampons but if my daughter doesn’t want to, that’s a really good option!

How incredibly rude, calling someone a bully!
I have 3 dd, two have started their periods and one is at the age where it could happen at any time. You are making this a huge deal. Be open and honest as you have done but your dd has to realise that this is part of being a woman and she does have to carry on with life.

What a nasty thing to say about a young lady you have never met!
I asked her to help you out.
Take back my well meaning advice - please go ahead and make the most mortifying scene possible for your daughter.

I’ve got endometriosis and from around 12 or 13 I’ve had really heavy and painful irregular periods so I really do sympathise!
you’re right pain killers are a big one!

periods are a big deal, and they’re awful. My daughter has many years of discomfort ahead , so I think the least she deserves is a bit of a treat for her first ever experience of the dreadful things.

OP- if YOU have experienced painful periods your entire life and they have been dreadful, surely you've had this investigated or use something to stop them???

Not everyone would describe them as 'awful', 'many years of discomfort' or 'dreadful things'! Are you always so melodramatic and negative about a day to day (monthly) thing? Your period basket is frankly OTT! Feminine wipes! 🙄

Periods shouldn't be awful, painful is not normal so if they get like that then she needs to go to the GP
Mild cramps relieved with paracetamol yes but heavy, flooding or severe pain shouldn't be minimised so I wouldn't be reinforcing that she has years of discomfort ahead

I’ve now noticed she has started getting pubic hair. the doctor said she’d guess it’ll happen within 6 months

Why is her GP speculating on when her period will start? Seems rather odd. Are you in the UK?

Calling someone embarrassing for doing something different than you is name calling, which it sounds like you actively encourage.
maybe rethink who’s the rude one.

Oh so now you're making it even worse. All that nonsense about periods are so awful blahhhh. She's going to expect the royal treatment every month and you've set the time that she should receive it. When I'm reality life doesn't stop because you're on your period.

The takeaway probably doesn't take cash.

But along with everyone else who has replied on this thread, you are making far too big a deal out of this.

I have reported your post insulting my daughter who was actually trying to help you.
From a teenage girls perspective your basket is over the top and embarrassing- I posted to help stop making your daughter uncomfortable with your over the top plan.

Calling people names isn’t helping is it? Be honest your comment was not meant to be helpful at all and that’s not what you were trying to do in the slightest.

True , I find pads rub sometimes especially in summer months! Do you have a particular brand you prefer?

Just provide a regular supply of sanitary products. Ensure that she knows where they are and has easy access to them. Make sure that ibuprofen and/or paracetamol are available in the house in case needed.

Nothing else needed, including the ladyshaver. Why bother with that? Why encourage it?

Chocolate is nice to have as a treat now and then, but isn't essential.