🌸 Preparing for the First Period: A Guide for Parents to Support Their Daughters

As parents, we witness so many milestones in our children’s lives—first steps, first words, first day of school. One of the quieter but profoundly important milestones is menarche, or the first menstrual period. It marks the beginning of puberty and the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

For many girls, this time can be confusing, emotional, and even a little scary. But with gentle guidance and open conversation, you can help your daughter feel informed, supported, and empowered as her body begins to change.

Here’s how to prepare your daughter—and yourself—for this new chapter:

🌼 1. Start the Conversation Early

It’s best to begin talking about puberty and periods before they start. Many girls begin showing signs of puberty between the ages of 8–12, and menstruation typically begins between the ages of 10–15. Don’t wait for her to ask, many girls feel too shy.

Use age-appropriate language and keep it simple. Simplicity is key!

📘 2. Educate Your Daughter

Understanding what's happening inside her body can ease a lot of anxiety.

Our It Girl: Period Summer Camp will help, especially for visual learners. Easily register her here at:

You might explore resources together and invite her to ask questions.

Our IT Girl: Period Summer Program covers the following and much more:

• The menstrual cycle and what it’s for

• How periods usually last 3–7 days

• That period may not be regular at first

• It’s normal to have cramps, mood swings, or fatigue

Our program also offers books, videos, or diagrams that can help, especially for visual learners. You might explore resources together and invite her to ask questions.

4. Make It a Safe, Shame-Free Topic

Menstruation has long been shrouded in stigma and silence. Break that cycle in your home by:

• Using correct terms: period, menstruation, uterus, blood, etc.

• Avoiding words like “gross” or “dirty”

• Normalizing her experience (“It’s okay to feel moody. Periods can do that!”)

Let her know she can always come to you with questions, without judgment.

5. Include All Caregivers

Whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent, or guardian, it’s important that everyone involved in her care feels comfortable talking about periods. Even if you’re not the one having them, your openness helps her feel accepted and supported.

Your daughter doesn’t need all the answers right away—but she does need your presence, patience, and positivity. By creating a safe, shame-free space for her to learn and ask questions, you’re helping her develop body confidence and self-respect that will last a lifetime.

Because menstruation isn’t just a monthly occurrence—it’s a reminder of how amazing, strong, and adaptable the human body is.

As always, your Future Achievers Team is here to support you every step of your journey. Register your daughter today and let us handle the rest!