Note: Not all girls menstruate, and not all menstruating teenagers are girls. In this article, we often refer to "girls" or "daughters," but we naturally include all menstruating individuals.

The first period can be confusing and scary for many young people. In June 2021, we conducted an ooia Community Survey. When asked what emotions were associated with their first period, uncertainty, shame, and fear were the most frequently cited answers. For parents, this moment is often also a challenge, and it's completely normal if you, as a mother, father, or trusted person, are a little nervous about educating young girls about their first period and providing the necessary support and security.

However, this is a natural and important part of growing up and should not be met with shyness or shame. In this article, we want to give you some tips on how to best prepare your daughter for her own period and support her when the time comes.

The first period: How can parents support their children?

First and foremost, we want to encourage all parents to talk openly about menstruation. An honest conversation will help many girls prepare for their own menstruation, as they will know what to expect and can adjust to the change. How this education looks exactly is up to you and always depends on individual needs: Some teenagers prefer to confide in parents, siblings, friends, or doctors. Others find it easier to read something about menstruation first before seeking a conversation. There are books that convey knowledge about menstruation in a relaxed and playful way and address uncertainties and concerns. The (first) period is also increasingly discussed on social media, and thus the internet contributes more and more to education.

Nevertheless, we recommend a personal conversation with a trusted person, in which questions can be answered openly and concerns can be addressed without shame. Overall, it is important to show your daughter that you are there for her and that it is always okay to talk about her menstruation.

What can a conversation about the first menstruation look like?

Ease fears: Many girls are afraid of the unknown, and it is important to alleviate this uncertainty, explain facts, and answer all open questions.

Be a confidante: Menstruation should not be a taboo subject. Make it clear to your daughter that she can always turn to you if she has questions or concerns. Sharing your own experiences can also help her overcome shyness about the topic and talk openly about worries.

In our ooia Community Survey we asked what menstruating individuals wished they had known more about at the time of their first period and what topics they would have liked more information on. The most frequently requested topics for education were the following questions:

Pain, symptoms & PMS: What pain is normal? What symptoms and physical or mental side effects occur shortly before or during the period? How do I deal with them and how can I do something good for myself during this time?

Cycle: What does the female cycle look like? When is it possible to get pregnant? Why do I have more energy in some phases and less in others?

Period products and their use: In our survey, the most frequently mentioned topic for which respondents wished for more information was by far education about period products. What selection is there? How do I use period products? How often do they need to be changed? And how safely do they protect against leakage?

Which menstrual products are suitable for teenagers?

It's best to discuss together which period products are available and which might be best suited for your daughter. You can show your daughter what different period products look like and how they are used, where to find them, and what their advantages and disadvantages are.

If she is still unsure which product is best for her, she should test different products for herself and try out what she feels most comfortable with.

The best period products for teenagers

Period underwear is particularly popular with young menstruators because it is very comfortable and does not slip. In addition, no additional products are necessary that need to be changed or disposed of during the day. Tampons are also a popular product for periods, but they require a certain amount of experience and dexterity. Another option is pads, which are a bit easier to use at the beginning and give a good feeling of security.

However, both disposable period products have the disadvantage that they have to be changed and disposed of several times a day. Young girls in particular may feel uncomfortable at first if a tampon or pad has to be changed in the school restroom.

Period underwear, on the other hand, is a sustainable alternative: After use, it is simply washed and reused, replacing countless disposable period products and thus saving a lot of waste!