A first period is a normal part of growing up, but it can bring up a lot of questions. With a little planning, you can help the young person in your life feel confident and prepared, turning a moment of uncertainty into an empowering milestone.
This simple guide will walk you through creating a plan and a first period kit for teenagers.
Why a First Period Plan Matters
Having a plan is about providing peace of mind. Preparation helps replace fear with confidence, showing your child that they have the support and tools they need to handle their period whenever and wherever it arrives.
Because the first few cycles can be unpredictable, being ready is key. A plan helps everyone stay calm and also opens the door for honest conversations, building a foundation of trust.
Starting the Conversation About Periods
Openly talking about periods is the first step in good period care preparation and best practices. Try to have small, casual chats over time rather than one "big talk." You can start by asking what they may have already heard from friends or at school.
Sharing stories can also make the topic feel more relatable and less intimidating. You can find inspiration in our community's posts, like one writer’s memorable first period story or the many different experiences in “What's your first period story?”.
Building the Perfect First Period Kit
Putting together a first period kit is a great way to prepare and can even be a fun activity to do together. For a complete DIY guide, you can read our post on what to put in a period kit.
The Essentials for Every Kit
Every starter kit should have a few basics to handle a period with ease.
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Pads: These are a great starting point. Pads stick to underwear to absorb blood and come in different sizes for heavier or lighter days.
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Liners: These are like thinner, smaller pads. They are perfect for light flow days, spotting, or for extra backup protection.
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Tampons: Tampons are worn inside the body to absorb flow, which makes them a great option for activities like swimming or sports. It’s best for beginners to start with a light absorbency and a tampon with a smooth applicator.
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A Discreet Pouch: A small, cute bag is perfect for keeping supplies handy and private in a backpack or locker.[1]
Our Simple Solution: The LOLA First Period Kit
To make preparation simple, we created the LOLA First Period Kit. It’s a convenient, all-in-one box that takes the guesswork out of getting ready and contains everything they need for their first few cycles.
It’s thoughtfully designed for anyone new to their period and is especially well-suited for ages 9 to 15. Inside our kit, you’ll find:
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Pads and liners made with a 100% organic cotton topsheet for breathable comfort.
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Light absorbency tampons featuring a smooth, BPA-free plastic applicator for easy insertion.
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A canvas pouch to carry supplies on the go.
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A fun sticker sheet for decorating a journal or planner.
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A helpful guide to periods, reviewed by a pediatrician.
At LOLA, we believe in ingredient transparency. Our period products are made without fragrances, synthetic fibers, or chlorine bleach, because what you put in and on your body matters. For a preview of the information we provide, you can download our Free First Period Guide.
What to Do When Their First Period Arrives
When the day comes, the big question is, what do i do if i get my first period? The most important thing you can offer is a calm and supportive reaction. Here are a few simple steps for different situations.
If They're at Home
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Reassure them that this is completely normal and nothing to worry about.
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Show them the period kit and supplies you prepared together.
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Walk them through how to use a pad or liner.
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Offer comfort items like a heating patch or a warm drink if they have cramps.
If They're at School or Out
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Remind them to grab their period pouch from their backpack.
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They can go to the restroom to put on a pad or liner.
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If they are worried about leaks on their clothes, suggest tying a jacket or sweatshirt around their waist.
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Let them know it is always okay to ask a trusted adult for help, like a school nurse, teacher, or coach.
Being prepared is the best way to help your child have a positive first period experience. By starting the conversation early and having a plan, you give them the confidence to embrace this new chapter of their life.
For more resources on period care and reproductive health, feel free to explore our Periods blog.
FAQ
Q: What should be included in a first period kit?
A: A basic starter kit should include pads for different flow levels, liners for light days or backup, light absorbency tampons, and a discreet pouch to carry supplies privately in a backpack or locker.
Q: What comes inside the LOLA First Period Kit?
A: The all-in-one kit includes pads and liners with a 100% organic cotton topsheet, light absorbency tampons with BPA-free plastic applicators, a canvas travel pouch, a sticker sheet, and a pediatrician-reviewed period guide.
Q: What age group is the LOLA First Period Kit designed for?
A: The kit is thoughtfully designed for anyone new to their period and is especially well-suited for ages 9 to 15.
Q: What should my child do if they get their first period at school?
A: They should grab their period pouch, use a pad or liner in the restroom, and tie a jacket around their waist if they are worried about leaks. Remind them it is always okay to ask a school nurse or teacher for help.
Q: How can I start talking to my child about their first period?
A: Instead of having one large, intimidating talk, initiate small, casual conversations over time. Ask what they have already heard from friends and share relatable stories to normalize the topic.