When you first get your period, remember, over half of the world’s population gets a period and it’s very likely at least one of your parents or the adults in your life are still getting their period every month still! Periods are normal and kind of cool, once you know how and why they happen!
The best time to talk to your parent about getting your period is before you even get your period. Once you start wondering about periods, which for many of us is when we’re around eight or nine, that’s a good time to start asking your parent about periods and puberty. If your friends get their periods before you, that can make an easy conversation starter. Generally, if you feel comfortable, don’t wait til that first period arrives.
Ways to tell your mom or dad that you got your period
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Ask your mom or parent how old they were when they got their first period - often you will get your period around that same age, so it can start the conversation and give you a heads up on when to expect your menstrual cycles to start.
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Write them a note and leave it where they’ll see it - on their bedside table or on the kitchen counter. Ask a specific question, ask to talk to them after school, or just say “hey I got my period!”
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Send them a text - kind of like leaving a note, but maybe more convenient, plus you’ll know they’ve seen and read it. Ask a question, ask about their first period, or send some period emojis (we like the blood drop and red circle). Be as direct as you like.
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Ask your parent to show you where they keep their pads, tampons or other period care products in the bathroom.
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Ask your parent if they’ll take you shopping for period care products, or when you’re out shopping, take them into a CVS or Walgreens to browse and pick.
Hopefully your parent makes the first move, but if they don’t, these ideas can make it easier for both of you to talk about periods. Once you’ve told your parent you got your period, you can keep talking to them about it! It’s a good idea to tell a parent or trusted adult if you’re dealing with period cramps, PMS, heavy bleeding and let them know if you stop getting your period.
Talking to your teacher about getting your period
If you get your period before all of your friends, you may need to tell a teacher at school or the school health aide or nurse or school counsellor. Remember, they’ve seen a lot of students get their periods and start their periods over the years, this is not new or embarrassing to them to hear. Just let them know you may need to ask for more bathroom breaks or need longer in the bathroom during class.
