Add period bags to your tween’s back-to-school checklist!
As the summer is drawing to a close, many households are gearing up to send their kids back to school. This is an exciting time for many, but may be stressful for some. One thing in particular that can make starting the school year tough for our tween girls is knowing how to be prepared for having your period at school.
While there is a large range of when girls may get their first period, it is most likely to occur between the ages of 12 and 13. Unfortunately, there are often few signs prior to the start of the first period and it could happen while your child is away from the house. For situations like this, the most important thing is to be prepared – and the best way to be prepared is for each girl to have her very own period bag.
Period bags are small kits or packs that contain anything you might need for a surprise period when you are on the go. These can be kept in their school bag, gym bag, or their locker at school. These bags should be large enough to hold everything you need but small enough to be discrete.
Each person may prefer different things in their kits, but a basic pack should include:
- Sanitary pads or tampons
- Cleansing wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Spare underwear
- Plastic baggies for soiled clothing.
Other items some people may find helpful are period underwear, menstrual cups, and over-the-counter pain relievers as your child becomes more comfortable with their cycles. If someone has particularly heavy cycles, having a change of pants can be helpful as well.
This can be a daunting subject to tackle for both you and your tween. Making a period bag together can be a great way to break the ice and start a discussion. If you want further reading, there are many excellent books that address the topic including:
- “The Care & Keeping of You” by American Girl
- “Vaginas and Periods 101” by Christian Hoeger & Kristen Lilla
- “Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls” by Sonya Renee Taylor
Although this time can be anxiety-provoking, it is an exciting time in a tween’s life. Having supplies they need on hand can help alleviate stress and empower them to tackle their periods wherever they pop up!
Kristen Waterbury, MD, is an OB/GYN at Mercy Clinic OB/GYN in South County. To schedule an appointment with her, visit Kristen Waterbury, MD | Obstetrics and Gynecology | St. Louis, MO | Mercy
