Preparation Begins Before the First Drop
Imagine seeing unexpected blood without knowing why it’s happening.
For a young person who hasn’t been prepared for menstruation, that experience could be frightening.
Preparing her beforehand gives her something extremely valuable:
Understanding.
Teach Her What to Expect
Explain that:
- Her first period is part of puberty.
- Menstrual flow can vary.
- Periods may not immediately follow a predictable pattern.
- She may experience some discomfort.
- She can continue many normal activities during her period according to how she feels.
- She should tell you or another trusted adult if she is worried about anything.
Most importantly, tell her:
“When it happens, you can come to me.”
Show Her a Sanitary Pad Before She Needs One
Don’t simply place sanitary pads in a cupboard.
Show her what one looks like.
Explain the wrapper.
Show her where the adhesive backing is.
Explain wings if the product has them.
Teach her how the pad is positioned inside underwear.
Explain how to remove, wrap and dispose of a used pad appropriately.
Always follow the specific directions provided on the product packaging.
Talk About School
Ask:
“If your period started at school tomorrow, what would you do?”
Work through the answer together.
Help her identify appropriate adults at school she could approach.
Make sure she knows where her period kit is.
Yazz® Parent Tip
Preparation isn’t about making her worry that her period could start at any moment.
It’s about helping her know:
“Whenever it happens, I know what to do.”