Empowering Girls: A Guide to Supporting Your Daughter’s First Period
For many girls, their first period is a significant milestone, marking the start of a new phase in life. However, without proper guidance and support, it can also be a confusing or overwhelming experience. As a nonprofit committed to empowering young girls, we believe it’s essential to create a supportive environment where girls feel informed, prepared, and confident. Here’s how caregivers, teachers, and community members can provide meaningful support when a girl experiences her first period.
Supporting Your Daughter’s First Menstual Cycle
1. Start the Conversation Early
Preparation begins with education. Talking about menstruation before it happens helps reduce fear and confusion. Openly discuss:
What a period is and why it happens.
Signs that a first period may be approaching, like breast development or discharge.
The importance of menstrual hygiene.
Normalize the conversation by using proper terminology and encouraging questions. This creates a safe space for girls to share their feelings and concerns.
2. Provide Practical Education
Practical knowledge is key to building confidence. Teach girls:
How to use and dispose of sanitary products like pads, tampons, or menstrual cups.
How often products should be changed to maintain hygiene.
What to do if their period starts unexpectedly at school or in public.
Having a demonstration kit with pads, tampons, and reusable products can make these lessons more interactive and engaging.
3. Assemble a Period Kit
Creating a period kit for a girl’s backpack or locker can provide peace of mind. Include:
Sanitary products of her choice (pads, tampons, or menstrual cups).
A small pack of tissues.
A resealable bag for discreet disposal or emergencies.
A spare pair of underwear.
A note of encouragement to remind her she’s not alone.
These kits are simple to assemble and can be life-changing for a young girl navigating her first period.
4. Emphasize Emotional Support
Periods can come with a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. Be empathetic and reassuring. Let girls know:
It’s normal to feel different emotions during this time.
They can always ask questions or share how they feel without judgment.
It’s okay to take time to rest or practice self-care during their period.
By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, you help girls feel more comfortable and empowered.
5. Educate the Community
Supporting girls doesn’t stop at home. Educate schools, community groups, and other organizations on how to create period-positive environments. This might include:
Providing free menstrual products in restrooms.
Hosting workshops about menstrual health.
Training staff to respond sensitively when a student needs assistance.
When everyone works together, we can remove the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure no girl feels ashamed or unsupported.
Conclusion
Getting a first period should be a moment of empowerment, not anxiety. By providing education, emotional support, and access to resources, we can ensure girls are prepared to embrace this new chapter with confidence. Let’s work together to break taboos, normalize conversations, and create a world where no girl is held back by her period.
If you’d like to support our mission, consider donating to Let’s Talk About It!, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of girls everywhere.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.
Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.
