If you’re a parent or carer of a young person, it’s time to talk about periods! If your child is coming up to puberty and you would like to prepare yourself on how to talk confidently on the changes that their bodies might go through. We’re here to help!

Open the conversation

You guessed it. It’s time to have “the chat”. Break out the chocolate, brew a cuppa and get the conversation flowing. Talk through the physical changes, the cycles, what to expect, how they’ll feel and the mishaps.

Being open and honest about your own experiences will help make a first period a lot less overwhelming. If you normalise the leaks and accidents that can happen it will ensure that your child feels less embarrassed about them when they inevitably do! But be careful how negative you position the period, the idea of bleeding for a week each month is already an overwhelming concept.

Yes Dad, this chat includes you too! Any trusted male parent figures in your child’s are welcomed to be involved – and should be too. You want your child to know they speak to you about their period without feeling embarrassed.

Now is also the time to chat through what period products work best for your child. Pads or period underwear are usually the best products for first periods as they’re non-invasive and easy to wear. Be sure you’re making conscious choices when deciding on period products. The amount of waste generated per period can have a huge environmental impact.

Bust those myths

Most people don’t talk about periods very much, which is why there are so many rumours and myths surrounding what to expect.

Debunk those myths around cycle length, swimming while on your period, and the amount of blood. Empower your child to educate themselves about their body! Make sure you touch on the basics of a period: Explain how long it’ll last for, that the blood might be red, brown or even blackish and that it’s not a one and done thing (WE WISH!).

Prepare a period kit

Most of the time first periods happen unexpectedly while at school or away from home. So, to help your child feel ready for any situation, work with them to a prepare a period emergency kit.

Using a purchase zipper bag and stock it with all the emergency supplies they might need or want. This could include their favourite period products, a clean pair of underwear, moist wipes and a small treat! Tell your child to keep this is in a convenient place like a school locker or bag.

Encourage them to have a period buddy

This could be yourself or someone else they trust completely. A period buddy is someone who can discreetly handle the behind the scenes when they need it – a supply run when they’re low or some pain relief for when those cramps kick in. Encourage your child to open the conversation with friends or family they can trust. Talking about our experiences can help them feel like period days are easier to manage.

Offer support and understanding

Yes, we know that handling the irritable mood swings and the confusion can be a tough task. But giving your child a bit of space and privacy at this time can make a world of difference.

Offering a cup of tea for when those cramps come or a chocolate for the cravings, can really help to show support without making a big deal out of it. Period days are an excellent time to teach the importance of self-care. For more information jump on to the Hey Girls website and find out more about what works for you and your child.