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As any parent of a tween knows, it’s a tricky time to navigate. Social relationships can become a little more challenging, hormones can send situations and emotions into a tailspin and there is social media and mobile use to begin contending with.
And for parents with girls there is the fact that periods, which can start anytime between eight to 14 years of age, with the average age being 12, are about to become ‘a thing’ in their life. Period.
One such mum chose to Ask the Village by posing a question to our community about making a ‘first period kit’ to help her daughter through this time.
“My eldest daughter began year six this year, which is the year that I got my period so I’m wanting to make her a little pack for her school bag,” the mum penned. “If anyone has done this already can you please tell me how you made it (what kind of packaging?) and what you put in it please?”
The community rallied with over 100 responses in the first hour from parents in the trenches who were happy to share their experience.
“My little one has started getting regular sore tummy,” shared one commenter. “She knows what to expect. She has a unicorn pencil case that we put some liners, pads, spare pair of undies and a little plastic bag.”
Another replied to this comment, agreeing and adding: “We did exactly same thing. She is 21 now and still has the unicorn travel case as she calls it. She put a small pkt of antibacterial wipes in too. In case there is a spill. She uses them to clean fabric.”
Do you have something you’d like to Ask the Village? You can add your question here.
Periods can start anytime between eight to 14 years of age, with the average age being 12.
Modern cloth pads and period underwear are also brilliant for younger tweens and offer sustainable options that will save a fortune in the long term. Menstrual cups are suitable for teens who are more confident with their period as it can take a few cycles to master.
One commenter was a big fan of the period underwear option, saying: “Period pants are the best, both my daughters who are 10 and 11 use them. I wish something so amazing had of been invented when I was growing up 🤣 my eldest has just gone up to senior school so it takes all the embarrassment out of it especially on sport days.”
While another commenter suggested that conversations were just as important as the kit.
“Make sure you talk about it openly and honestly, especially in front of any male house members,” they suggested. “Break the taboo and shame many young girls feel and empower her to say ‘yeah, I got my period, so what?’ if any one tries to make fun of her. And make sure you know at least one empathetic teacher who can help her if there are bullies.”
How to have that first period chat with your daughter
“Just keep it light and matter-of-fact,” says mum-of-three daughters, Elizabeth Chapman. “You can add lots of little conversations into everyday situations to build on the ‘period talk’.”
Elizabeth suggests that you make or go through a ‘First Period Survival Kit’ together. “This is essential!”
You’ll need one for home and one for the school bag. A pencil case or small make-up bag will do the trick and should include; a spare pair of underwear, a pad (disposable or cloth) or a pair of period underwear.
“Talk about how to use the products and go through what they would do if they got their first period at school or a friend’s place or while you were at work or away,” advises Elizabeth.
“Make sure you cover all the options when talking to your daughter about sanitary products and allow them to own their period by choosing the products they want to use.”
Remember to talk to your daughter about periods in a factual and positive environment, as this will build confidence and normalises their attitude towards menstruating and their changing body.
Excellent first period packs to buy for your daughter
There are some incredible companies that have made this entire task a lot easier for families by collating all the things a period first-timer will need in carefully curated packs.
Tale a look at some of our faves below …
1/7
ModiBodi My Period Kit, RRP $50
The RED My Period Kit is the perfect period introduction to help tweens (and let’s face it, parents too) navigate changing bodies.
It’s also a great aid for parents to start the conversation about first periods with their young daughters.
Designed to provide young people with practical and fun tools, this kit provides all that is needed to manage and understand your first period – in a fun and sustainable way!
The Kit includes:
- A factsheet booklet
- Notebook
- RED embroidered headband
- Waterproof bag
- 2x period undies in either Bikini or Boyshort
(Image: ModiBodi)
2/7
‘Welcome to Periods!’ Box
(Pads + Period book), RRP $64.95
First periods can be daunting for everyone involved, but they really don’t have to be – sometimes we just need to be equipped with the right tools to help make things easier and that’s where this box comes in handy.
This ‘Welcome to Periods!’ Box contains:
- Moxie Organics liners (26pk) Perfect for those ‘just in case’ days before, or those super light days after your period. Made with an organic cotton cover and core.
- Moxie Organics regular daytime pads (10pk) Super thin, super soft, and super absorbent, made with a biodegradable cotton cover and core and wrapped in a compostable film. For a planet-friendly(er) period.
- Moxie Organics overnight pads (8pk) Just like the daytime pads, but extra long and with a double-set of wings to help keep them in place while you sleep.
- Welcome to your period book by Melissa Tang and Yumi Stynes A handy period guide for pre-teens and period newbies.
- ‘Let’s Snuggle’ Moxie mini hot water bottle Pesky period cramps be gone!
- Moxie milk chocolate (100g block) For those days when you’re feeling a bit ‘blah’.
- Moxie cotton comfy undies Please select your size.
- Moxie Organics intimate wipes Ideal for those just-in-case mishaps (totally normal! Super common! Don’t worry, we’ve got you sorted). Made from biodegradable cotton and with 97% natural ingredients. pH and fragrance free.
- ‘A Moxettes guide to first periods’ mini education booklet Your pocket-sized guide to periods and the important things you need to know to get prepped.
(Image: Moxie)
3/7
Period Starter Kit 2 Pairs – Mini Pack, RRP $41.95
This cute twin pack of organic period underwear for teenagers comes with everything they need to make that first period a little more gentle.
It contains:
- A black pair of moderate to heavy absorbency and a bikini brief with print in heavy absorbency or a pair of their sporty range
- A cute waterproof cosmetic pouch to discreetly keep a spare pair in
- A bathbomb
- A body washer to gently exfoliate young skin
- Sanitising wipes or liquid hand sanitiser
- A cute linen bag to keep your mynickerbot’s in
- 3 layer hidden tech built into each pair
- Anti microbial properties built into fabric to inhibit smells
Nobody will know she is wearing them as look like usual undies.
Simply rinse in cold water and wash as usual.
(Image: MyNickerBot)
4/7
First Periods Pack, RRP $25.00 per month
Getting your period for the first time and figuring out what product to use can be a bit of a jungle.
Libra developed a taste tester of products suitable for small bodies, so girls can try a variety of products and decide for themselves what kind of products they like. It also comes with a handy ‘first period’ info booklet.
Includes:
- Libra Girl Regular Pads with Wings – Pack (12 pads)
- Libra Girl Goodnight Pads with Wings – Pack (10 pads)
- Extra Protect Liners – Pack (28 liners)
- Libra Girl Regular Tampons – Pack (16 tampons)
- Libra Girl Super Tampons – Pack (16 tampons)
(Image: Libra)
5/7
First Period Pack – Zero waste kit for first periods, RRP $114.90
Designed for first periods, whether you are getting ready or her period is already here and you want comfortable and reliable zero-waste options to support her periods.
Young girls find period underwear supportive and easy to use, so much more comfortable than disposable pads. They are easier to use than tampons, and can be worn for the whole day at school. Knowing they are protected from life’s little embarrassments.
Every pack includes;
- 4 Pairs of Period Underwear with built-in 4 layer pad to absorb periods
- 2 Cloth Pads (use these with regular underwear – they have press studs that clip around regular underwear)
- XS Girls-size menstrual cup
- Wet Bag – to store used or clean pads and underwear
- Information Booklet ‘Girl, You’re Growing Up’ and
a Cycle - Tracker calendar sheet
- Charm bracelet.
(Image: Eco Period)
6/7
Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Boyleg 5 pack, RRP $99.95
Future-proof their first flow with our thee Bonds Bloody Comfy Period Boyleg Moderate Undies 5-Pack.
Washable and reusable, they help to reduce tampons and pads going into landfill.
Each pair combines classic BONDS boyleg comfort with convenience, so she can live leak-free and worry-free.
This 5-pack consists of three black pairs and two BONDS signature print pairs.
(Image: Bonds)
7/7
First Period Kit + Teen Period Underwear, RRP $59.99
Take the stress out of her first period with a really cool, has-everything First Period Kit with everything a girl needs to handle Aunt Flo, have good hygiene and be worry-free in a keepsake box.
This First Period Kit includes:
- Period-Proof Seamless Teen Underwear
- Period Hacks + Q&A
Feminine Hygiene Pads - Ruby Love Discreet Carry Pouch
- Make A Wish Grow-up Bracelet
- Ruby Love Relaxing Sleep Mask
- Warm Cozy Socks (1 Pair)
- Ruby Love Lip Balm
- Ruby Love Stress Ball
- Warming Gel Pad for Cramps
- Heart Shaped Compact Mirror
- Facial Essence Beauty Mask
- Exfoliating Bath Sponge
- Hair Elastics
Inspiration Diary - Notepad
- Keepsake Satin Hygiene Pouch filled with hygiene essentials!
- Hand Sanitizer
Hygiene Wipes - Plus many, many more trendy surprise gifts for young girls
This ships from the US and prices are in US dollars that will convert at the checkout, so make sure to grab it nice and early.
(Image: Ruby Love)
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