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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

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Original poster

SD time of the month help

39 replies

elliefreya123 · 07/02/2022 11:48

We have two holidays booked for this summer and SD 13 is due on her period for both holidays! She has been regular for the past year so I doubt this will change.
The issue I now face is I really don't want it being the time of her month to ruin the holiday for her, as we are going abroad and there is water parks, swimming pools etc. she has only ever used pads, so understandably is uncomfortable / nervous about using a tampon.

My dilemma is do I ideally need to convince her to wear a tampon and if so, how? Or could she get away with wearing the small light pads?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thank you!

OP posts:

itshappened · 07/02/2022 14:03

I used tampons from my first period when I was 12. I always thought pads were much less comfortable and only ever use them alongside tampons when my periods are heavy to prevent leaking and not finding a loo in time. I'm not saying your SD should use them, but so many people on here are suggesting it's odd to wear them when you are younger, when in my opinion it's totally normal and nothing to be worried about.

Anyway depending on your relationship, I think you should say to your SD that you have a stash of pads and tampons for her when she stays with you, and that you will pack whatever she might need when you go away. That way she has a choice and can start thinking ahead about what she might prefer to use on holiday. If you have a good relationship with her mother, it might also be worth broaching this subject with her and asking her to discuss it with her daughter so you can make sure you have everything she needs on the holiday.

TheApexOfMyLife · 07/02/2022 15:15

I don't think anyone is saying it's odd to use tampon at that age.

More that a few of us wouldnt have considered it. It's more of a warning that the OP can't just expect her to use them (but if she does, and is happy with it, then good for her!)

CherylPorter350 · 08/02/2022 23:35

I used tampons from age 12...I went and bought them myself as I hated pads, when my mum found out she said "who said you were allowed to use those ". I think it's lovely that OP is thinking of her SD enjoyment her holiday and think having a conversation with her about what she'd like to do is a great idea. I wish my mum had been able to discuss such things.

I have 2 daughters and one SD. I've always discussed periods openly, had plenty of supplies of pads and tampons and let them make the choice.

Whilst going on holiday, I had the gp prescribe my daughter tablets to stop period, she was 14. This was an option I gave her that she preferred.

TheresSomebodyAtTheDoorNeil · 09/02/2022 00:14

You can get a medication from her GP to stop her period for that month..... I did it for my dd a few years ago.

Other then that just pack tampons, and have them there to offer as an option. If she really doesn't want to wear one get her some period knickers with the built in pads and shorty bikini bottoms or the swimsuits with shorts.

Shelby2010 · 09/02/2022 00:35

I’m reading with interest the more helpful posts as my DD11 will have a school residential in the summer.
She uses period pants normally, but can’t really when she’s away from home?! If the GP will prescribe tablets for someone her age, that would be ideal.

I don’t know why some posters are criticising the OP - a 13yr old won’t necessarily think that far ahead about issues with wearing bikinis etc when you have a period.

Pinkstegosaurus · 09/02/2022 00:53

Eeek I’m in agreement with @Ducksurprise…be careful with oversharing anecdotes of young teens and periods

negomi90 · 09/02/2022 01:24

@Shelby2010 if she has enough period pants to last a cycle without washing she probably could use them away from home.
Get a large waterproof bag for her to put the used ones in, then all she needs to do is give her underwear a quick rinse in the sink/shower before putting them in the waterproof bag. You can wash them when she gets home. Keep that separate from her laundry bag.

itsfreeeeeeezing1234 · 09/02/2022 01:31

Well @cheekychaplin isn't very kind. OP is obviously involved in her SD life and wants to offer her advice, and is seeking help on here how to do so. Kindness really doesn't cost anything. Xx

WhenZoomWasJustAnIceLolly · 09/02/2022 02:37

Yup, careful with replies guys.

But the modibodi swimwear is absolutely fine and works well even as an adult.

cheekychaplin · 09/02/2022 07:56

@itsfreeeeeeezing1234

Well *@cheekychaplin* isn't very kind. OP is obviously involved in her SD life and wants to offer her advice, and is seeking help on here how to do so. Kindness really doesn't cost anything. Xx

I wasn't trying to be unkind. The wording of the OP - it's OP issue, OP dilemma, should OP try to convince her SD to use tampons - doesn't indicate someone who wants to offer help to another. Nobody has the right to convince another they should be using tampons. I could be wrong and OP maybe is just considering taking to her SD about all of the options, which is fine, but the wording of the OP said otherwise.

cheekychaplin · 09/02/2022 07:57

I don’t know why some posters are criticising the OP - a 13yr old won’t necessarily think that far ahead about issues with wearing bikinis etc when you have a period.

Because OP framed as their problem to fix. Its not the same as wanting to help.

dementedpixie · 09/02/2022 08:00

You get slim and teen tampons. I used them from an early age as I hated pads. Or she could use period swimwear. It's not up to you to persuade her to do anything but you can give her the options

Hapoydayz · 09/02/2022 08:10

It doesn't sound right that you think convincing her to do something is the way to go. I guess you could speak to her mum to see if SD actually has any concerns

WhenZoomWasJustAnIceLolly · 09/02/2022 08:37

It does seem unusual to know when her period is due and to think that far ahead about it. I have no clue when my teen dd’s period is due, she knows and will handle it as she feels comfortable.

But it’s a bit of a non issue these days with the period swimwear available.

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