And let\u2019s face it, many grown-ups in the world feel that way too (hello medical misogyny). The best way to mitigate this is by having open conversations about the menstrual cycle \u2013 normalising periods before tweenhood even begins \u2013 and ensuring you\u2019re stocked up with everything they\u2019ll need to navigate this new experience confidently. <\/span><\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Signs your child may be approaching their first period","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":" The average age of a first period is 12.4 years old, but anywhere between 10 and 16 is considered normal. This huge age range can be confusing for both kids and adults alike, but there are some clear signs that your kid\u2019s first period could be on the way \u2014 and they start years before menstruation does.<\/span><\/p>\n First, breast development typically begins two to three years before the first period, around the age of 8. One year later, public hair tends to appear. At this stage, a period is likely one or two years away.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Unsurprisingly to anyone who has had a period themselves, mood swings, acne, white or yellow vaginal discharge, and abdominal pains are common symptoms that appear right before a first period arrives. You may also observe a growth spurt in the months or weeks before.<\/span><\/p>\n A period pack is a great way to help your child navigate the more practical issues, like finding their preferred menstrual hygiene products or managing premenstrual symptoms. Perhaps even more importantly, it can also be a way to bridge the gap between you and your child \u2014 it shows them you\u2019re here to support them through this major milestone and helps open up the conversation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Not sure where to start? We\u2019ve got you covered in the list below.<\/span><\/p>\n A tell-It-all book Pairs of period undies This fun pack from Modibodi includes two black hipster briefs in moderate-heavy absorbency, along with a comic strip, handheld mirror, waterproof bag, and more. An assortment of pads and liners <\/p>\n Easy fit tampons A mini menstrual cup Cycle tracker app A just-for-you block of chocolate A portable period kit for school A wheat bag to ease cramps Getting prepped for your child\u2019s first period can help make the transition more comfortable for them. That said, we recognise life as a parent is incredibly busy and these things can creep up on you \u2014 so if the time comes and all you have on hand is some wise words of advice and a dash to the grocery store for some pads, Panadol, and chocolate, that\u2019s more than ok.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The most important thing is opening up the conversation, providing practical advice on managing blood and symptoms, and answering questions as they come.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And if you\u2019re the one in your feels, that\u2019s completely normal too. A first period is a major milestone that marks your kid entering a new phase of life \u2014 just like those first steps or first day at school, it\u2019s exciting and sad all at once. Pick up an extra block of chocolate and give yourself some space and grace to honour the moment. <\/span><\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"}],"add_quote_content":"","hide_and_show_button_for_quote":"A","select_single_post_here":"","hide_and_show_button_for_single_post":"A","select_two_post_here":"","hide_and_show_button_for_two_post":"A","select_more_on_section_category":false,"select_top_pick_section_mobile":[{"add_content_here":"Top Pick Top Pick","select_post_here":false}],"social_section_content":false,"add_instagram_embed_code":"![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Signs-your-child-may-be-approaching-their-first-period.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Preparing with a period pack ","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":"
\n<\/b>A dose of humour can be hugely beneficial when dealing with topics like periods, and this clever book delivers it in droves. Co-written by former Dolly Doctor Dr Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes, it is jam-packed with honest advice and first-person accounts that will answer the questions your child is too afraid to ask and help them feel empowered.
\n<\/span>Welcome to Your Period, RRP $22.99 at Booktopia<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Teens and tweens today are blessed to have so many amazing period products at their fingertips \u2014 including period undies. Even if you plan on showing your child how to use pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, a couple of pairs of period undies are a worthy addition to your period kit. They can be worn on their own or as \u2018backup protection\u2019 for heavy days, providing a little more reassurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Teen First Period Kit, RRP $65.00 from Modibodi<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>When periods start, they can be a little unpredictable \u2014 one moment it\u2019s heavy, the next barely-there. Stocking up with an assortment of different pads and liners can be helpful since they\u2019re easy to use and don\u2019t require any washing. This kit from Moxie includes a pack of regular daytime pads, overnight pads, and liners, plus a few fun extras like a mini hot water bottle to help with cramps and chocolate to boost low premenstrual moods.
\n<\/span>Welcome to Periods! Box, RRP $54.95 from Moxie<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/An-assortment-of-pads-and-liners.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Your child may not be ready to use tampons with their very first period, and that\u2019s okay \u2014 there\u2019s no need to rush anything. If they do want to try them out, Libra have a range of tampons specifically designed for growing bodies. They are shorter, thinner, and have a tapered tip that helps insertion, but still offer reliable protection on medium flow days.
\n<\/span>Tampons Girl Regular, RRP $4.30<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Many tweens and teens are environmentally conscious \u2014 and as parents, we want to encourage this as much as possible. If that\u2019s your kid, add some more environmentally-friendly period products to your kit, like this mini menstrual cup from Pelvi. With a diameter of just 38mm and a length of 60mm, this mini cup is designed for teens and light flow days, making it the perfect introduction to period cups.
\n<\/span>Pelvi Mini Menstrual Cup, RRP $37.00<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Cycles are rarely regular in the first few months, but it\u2019s never too early to start tracking symptoms to get in tune with how your body feels before a period or during ovulation. Download Flo Health on your or your child\u2019s phone and help them track things like cramps, mood swings, fatigue, and discharge. Over time, they\u2019ll start to see connections between symptoms and phases of their cycle, plus symptoms like discharge will be normalised through the information provided on the app.
\n<\/span>Flo Health Period Tracker, Free on the App Store<\/span><\/a>\u00a0 |\u00a0 Flo Health Period Tracker, Free on Google Play\u00a0<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Chocolate cravings are a normal part of periods for many people, and it\u2019s usually easier and healthier to lean in and enjoy than create an enemy out of food. Adding a just-for-you block of chocolate to your kid\u2019s first period pack can show them you get it, and you care. Tony\u2019s Chocolonely\u2019s Fairtrade, 100% slave-free chocolate is delicious, readily available in supermarkets, and has bright, mood-boosting packaging.
\n<\/span>Tony\u2019s Chocolonely Milk Chocolate Honey Almond Nougat 180g, RRP $8.40<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Periods can be unpredictable early on, so it\u2019s a good idea to ensure your child has a few supplies in their school bag or locker at all times. This kit includes a compact pouch along with an assortment of pads, tampons, and a pack of sanitary disposable bags to make those emergency moments a little less scary.
\n<\/span>First Period Kit, RRP $24.95<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n
\n<\/b>Heat therapy <\/span>has been shown<\/span><\/a> to ease period pain, with some studies finding favourable effects of heating pads even when compared with pain relief medication. These all-natural wheat bags are a generous size making them perfect for lower back or abdomen pain relief, and they come in an array of beautiful designs like this cheerful daisy print.
\n<\/span>A Sack of Wheat, All-Natural Wheat Bag \u2013 Spring Daisys, RRP $30.00<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kiindred.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/A-wheat-bag-to-ease-cramps.jpg\")
<\/p>\n","select_product_all_section":"","add_quote_content_section":"","add_jw_video_shortcode_here":"","add_instagram_embed_code":"","add_pinterest_embed_code":"","add_youtube_embed_code":"","turn_off_sign_up_section":true,"turn_off_parent_with_confidence_section":true,"turn_off_review_section":true,"turn_off_hey_parents_section":true,"turn_off_third_left_banner_section":true,"turn_off_products_you_love_section":true,"turn_off_win_game_section":true,"turn_off_win_a_gift_voucher_section":true,"hide_and_show_button":"A"},{"acf_fc_layout":"first_layout","section_title_here":"Navigating the milestone as a parent","section_sidebar_title_here":"","section_content_here":"