Anonymous
01/16/2026 17:48
Subject: I need period help....period
There are some good books that you can get her to help her prepare (you should read them too):
The Care and Keeping of You
Celebrate Your Body (and its Changes too)
Hello Flo
The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up
Then you can buy her a variety of period kits:
Red Dropp and Pinkie are both good, and she also likes the U by Kotex pads.
You could also buy her period underwear if she's not ready for tampons, they will work great under her leotard - my daughter likes Saalt and Bambodi but buy a few different ones and see what fits her best
The Care and Keeping of You
Celebrate Your Body (and its Changes too)
Hello Flo
The Period Book: A Girl's Guide to Growing Up
Then you can buy her a variety of period kits:
Red Dropp and Pinkie are both good, and she also likes the U by Kotex pads.
You could also buy her period underwear if she's not ready for tampons, they will work great under her leotard - my daughter likes Saalt and Bambodi but buy a few different ones and see what fits her best
Anonymous
01/16/2026 17:19
Subject: I need period help....period
I would get panty liners, tampons with the plastic applicator (something like Tampax pearl - and the ones for regular or lite days), and some basic unscented pads. A pair of period underwear would be good too. I would also get a small wet bag or something to keep some things in for school or gym or pool and keep a pair of clean underwear in there. Ibuprofen or naproxen for cramps. Line the trash bags in the bathroom. The directions in the tampon box suck. Find a better illustration for that.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 16:30
Subject: I need period help....period
FYI on the period underwear. Unless you are rinsing it and throwing it in the wash minutes after removing it- it needs to be soaked in cold water for a while, then rinsed, then put int wash. It’s pretty gross and a ton of blood will come out of it.
Same goes for any clothes that get stained. Soak in cold water, then wash.
Same goes for any clothes that get stained. Soak in cold water, then wash.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 16:22
Subject: I need period help....period
For period underwater, DD started with Bambody from Amazon (a NYT Wirecutter pic) and now prefers the knix brand. (join there mailing list, buy when there is a sale!) She will wear them a few days before she might get it as backup.
The other thing to stress to her is that she might not be completely regular for the first couple of years. It might be 28 days, it might be 35 days, it might be 26 days, it might be a couple of months.
The other thing to stress to her is that she might not be completely regular for the first couple of years. It might be 28 days, it might be 35 days, it might be 26 days, it might be a couple of months.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 15:45
Subject: I need period help....period
You have great advice here but adding some obvious that she might not know, my daughter needed specific instructions. For hygiene, she needs to fold and wrap up the pad before throwing it in the garbage can every single time, even in her own house.
We put a can of Clorox or similar wipes in the bathrooms for anyone to use if needed to clean up after the movie any reason (I also have a son, they have been there for years).
For my husband, he kept some pads, in his glove box of his car for years and they came in useful for tournament weekends for DD and friends many times in emergencies. I think he will do this until she goes to college.
Good advice on having some of the different products on hand! Your daughter will soon develop a preference. Mine only ever liked pads, but she’s not a swimmer or gymnast.
You are a great dad!
We put a can of Clorox or similar wipes in the bathrooms for anyone to use if needed to clean up after the movie any reason (I also have a son, they have been there for years).
For my husband, he kept some pads, in his glove box of his car for years and they came in useful for tournament weekends for DD and friends many times in emergencies. I think he will do this until she goes to college.
Good advice on having some of the different products on hand! Your daughter will soon develop a preference. Mine only ever liked pads, but she’s not a swimmer or gymnast.
You are a great dad!
Anonymous
01/16/2026 15:13
Subject: I need period help....period
My suggestions to consider for things that haven't been covered:
1) Make sure she knows that she doesn't need to remove a tampons to pee - separate area. That she can just hold the string out of the way.
2) Open a pad and a tampon and hold under water to show how they actually work, or just tell her to try this.
1) Make sure she knows that she doesn't need to remove a tampons to pee - separate area. That she can just hold the string out of the way.
2) Open a pad and a tampon and hold under water to show how they actually work, or just tell her to try this.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 14:38
Subject: I need period help....period
also, if you have a dog, buy a garbage can with a lid for her to dispose of her used items.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 14:34
Subject: Re:I need period help....period
OP here. Thanks SO MUCH to all of you!
Anonymous
01/16/2026 12:53
Subject: Re:I need period help....period
Yeah, period underwear is GREAT! There are expensive brands like Knix and Salt, but amazon cheapstuff is just as good. I don't do the period undies to soak up "stuff". i put a pad on the undies. It's just good backup in case of leaks and stuff. Best to get pads with "wings". 
Anonymous
01/16/2026 12:49
Subject: Re:I need period help....period
Anonymous wrote:Kudos to you dad!!!! You're doing amazing! I'm sorry about your loss. I would agree for her to talk to her "female" pediatrician or school nurse about tampons. Here are a few things I had on hand for my DD for when "the day" happened.
1. cheap period underwear. We used this kind (and yes, it can go in the dryer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFQMQ3NV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1&psc=1
2. Pads. DD is young, so like a smaller size would work well. You'll have to figure out what kind of pad she likes. I'm partial to stayfree, but my DD liked this brand when she got her period https://www.amazon.com/Always-Radiant-Heavy-FlexFoam-Artwork/dp/B01HODORIQ/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis. Don't have to buy into the "teen pad" hype. They're all the same. Start with a small size and then let her figure out what feels OK.
3. Tampons. DD started out with just pads to get the hang of things first. After about 3-4 months, we got into tampons. She started out with the Tampax Regular. Plastic applicator is best. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P6FB45E?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_6&=&crid=OMADJIM61XKA&sprefix=tampax&th=1
4. Liners. for light days. we liked this brand https://www.amazon.com/Always-Protection-Daily-Liners-Unscented/dp/B008HQ8M6I/ref=sr_1_8?crid=28L3J4KNV1RFO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GCv1RVDXdfWMRCcKtl-qBa2c1fTksDHe9UwuHAKF5dPmUZnzXAR1HMMol002N1X2_2cIO6wRFzzorBRIpGTXz4TqVKudIFQp6en4OhIw7wyHQYHKeDci6EhwnCQjXP6HXoxrLVYH-6LzXXh04-eIrWD3x_9n-orV5biT9k9nAJptjZEKoC7VqQKfu_d8XtNhZtCu4893GBbHZ46o1AKhz9GzEKedI4_dQr7ZIS1QHP1DOXUbF9Fge9SGGRP1cq5kgTKDCvKzz2NmAGcALdzBObTdmsB5ZayAdo4Q13z--to.Q76LqBjVDwMVRYQf01ASup0lB_dIJHb4VqDF9Tl4uiY&dib_tag=se&keywords=pad+liners&qid=1768585162&s=hpc&sprefix=pad+liners%2Chpc%2C189&sr=1-8
5. DD felt like she wanted those individual flushable wipes to help at school. https://www.amazon.com/Stall-Mates-individually-Vitamin-Biodegradable/dp/B00PRJT9RY/ref=sr_1_7_pp?crid=2IVETHU39CQVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c2MHw-Y08FRq4e73RoryePKOwNC91zvDKYam3mRrpVFlMdDcELhUH_eNaO_q456pJh_SgEXbvLS3BECJ8rwROiqeibHnapPMQbabEGjdCidSZgmI12TYO36grFbV5uIIUKgPBtZawUHe1I1FnTcVi2sXgwr7NTfnsubQo5UpeU_3b6vim7gTcka4ZymufD4FLoUmrThGBmpHlB2ZpRiCNvKrF2Pr3pP4u4ufIFmTcMlHLaIm54FLlbMTmam64rtgWkuU3E3RAAJSyTnAcNVvxlOjbS8a9qELEg2BQIXhcI8.bhlLW7bXEanXWZbW6GgAyqJ11dvlMIYGCSJJMFbcUqs&dib_tag=se&keywords=individual%2Bwipes&qid=1768585219&sprefix=individual%2Bwipe%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-7&th=1
6. Prepare a "go kit" for her to have at school. a small pouch with a couple of "everything" just in case her period strikes at school.
7. Put on a calendar approx when she will get her period
8. Chocolate... Lots of chocolate and ibuprofen if needed for cramps. DD tried those heating pads and they didn't really do it.
9. After a longgg while, if her period is REALLY REALLY REALLY bad, talk to your pediatrician about birth control pills for regularity.
Youtube is great, and Tampax has a channel on how to insert a tampon (https://www.youtube.com/@tampax). We def told DD that accidents happen and we will lose some undies along the way and there might be some accidents at night, so some stain spray and bleach are always on hand.
There are some period swimwear, but DD seemed to do just fine with a tampon.
Forgot to mention, be sure to remind your daughter that tampons, applicators, pads, and plastic wraps need to be disposed of in the trash.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 12:47
Subject: Re:I need period help....period
Kudos to you dad!!!! You're doing amazing! I'm sorry about your loss. I would agree for her to talk to her "female" pediatrician or school nurse about tampons. Here are a few things I had on hand for my DD for when "the day" happened.
1. cheap period underwear. We used this kind (and yes, it can go in the dryer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFQMQ3NV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1&psc=1
2. Pads. DD is young, so like a smaller size would work well. You'll have to figure out what kind of pad she likes. I'm partial to stayfree, but my DD liked this brand when she got her period https://www.amazon.com/Always-Radiant-Heavy-FlexFoam-Artwork/dp/B01HODORIQ/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis. Don't have to buy into the "teen pad" hype. They're all the same. Start with a small size and then let her figure out what feels OK.
3. Tampons. DD started out with just pads to get the hang of things first. After about 3-4 months, we got into tampons. She started out with the Tampax Regular. Plastic applicator is best. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P6FB45E?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_6&=&crid=OMADJIM61XKA&sprefix=tampax&th=1
4. Liners. for light days. we liked this brand https://www.amazon.com/Always-Protection-Daily-Liners-Unscented/dp/B008HQ8M6I/ref=sr_1_8?crid=28L3J4KNV1RFO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GCv1RVDXdfWMRCcKtl-qBa2c1fTksDHe9UwuHAKF5dPmUZnzXAR1HMMol002N1X2_2cIO6wRFzzorBRIpGTXz4TqVKudIFQp6en4OhIw7wyHQYHKeDci6EhwnCQjXP6HXoxrLVYH-6LzXXh04-eIrWD3x_9n-orV5biT9k9nAJptjZEKoC7VqQKfu_d8XtNhZtCu4893GBbHZ46o1AKhz9GzEKedI4_dQr7ZIS1QHP1DOXUbF9Fge9SGGRP1cq5kgTKDCvKzz2NmAGcALdzBObTdmsB5ZayAdo4Q13z--to.Q76LqBjVDwMVRYQf01ASup0lB_dIJHb4VqDF9Tl4uiY&dib_tag=se&keywords=pad+liners&qid=1768585162&s=hpc&sprefix=pad+liners%2Chpc%2C189&sr=1-8
5. DD felt like she wanted those individual flushable wipes to help at school. https://www.amazon.com/Stall-Mates-individually-Vitamin-Biodegradable/dp/B00PRJT9RY/ref=sr_1_7_pp?crid=2IVETHU39CQVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c2MHw-Y08FRq4e73RoryePKOwNC91zvDKYam3mRrpVFlMdDcELhUH_eNaO_q456pJh_SgEXbvLS3BECJ8rwROiqeibHnapPMQbabEGjdCidSZgmI12TYO36grFbV5uIIUKgPBtZawUHe1I1FnTcVi2sXgwr7NTfnsubQo5UpeU_3b6vim7gTcka4ZymufD4FLoUmrThGBmpHlB2ZpRiCNvKrF2Pr3pP4u4ufIFmTcMlHLaIm54FLlbMTmam64rtgWkuU3E3RAAJSyTnAcNVvxlOjbS8a9qELEg2BQIXhcI8.bhlLW7bXEanXWZbW6GgAyqJ11dvlMIYGCSJJMFbcUqs&dib_tag=se&keywords=individual%2Bwipes&qid=1768585219&sprefix=individual%2Bwipe%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-7&th=1
6. Prepare a "go kit" for her to have at school. a small pouch with a couple of "everything" just in case her period strikes at school.
7. Put on a calendar approx when she will get her period
8. Chocolate... Lots of chocolate and ibuprofen if needed for cramps. DD tried those heating pads and they didn't really do it.
9. After a longgg while, if her period is REALLY REALLY REALLY bad, talk to your pediatrician about birth control pills for regularity.
Youtube is great, and Tampax has a channel on how to insert a tampon (https://www.youtube.com/@tampax). We def told DD that accidents happen and we will lose some undies along the way and there might be some accidents at night, so some stain spray and bleach are always on hand.
There are some period swimwear, but DD seemed to do just fine with a tampon.
1. cheap period underwear. We used this kind (and yes, it can go in the dryer) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BFQMQ3NV?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_7&th=1&psc=1
2. Pads. DD is young, so like a smaller size would work well. You'll have to figure out what kind of pad she likes. I'm partial to stayfree, but my DD liked this brand when she got her period https://www.amazon.com/Always-Radiant-Heavy-FlexFoam-Artwork/dp/B01HODORIQ/ref=ast_sto_dp_puis. Don't have to buy into the "teen pad" hype. They're all the same. Start with a small size and then let her figure out what feels OK.
3. Tampons. DD started out with just pads to get the hang of things first. After about 3-4 months, we got into tampons. She started out with the Tampax Regular. Plastic applicator is best. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P6FB45E?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder_k0_1_6&=&crid=OMADJIM61XKA&sprefix=tampax&th=1
4. Liners. for light days. we liked this brand https://www.amazon.com/Always-Protection-Daily-Liners-Unscented/dp/B008HQ8M6I/ref=sr_1_8?crid=28L3J4KNV1RFO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GCv1RVDXdfWMRCcKtl-qBa2c1fTksDHe9UwuHAKF5dPmUZnzXAR1HMMol002N1X2_2cIO6wRFzzorBRIpGTXz4TqVKudIFQp6en4OhIw7wyHQYHKeDci6EhwnCQjXP6HXoxrLVYH-6LzXXh04-eIrWD3x_9n-orV5biT9k9nAJptjZEKoC7VqQKfu_d8XtNhZtCu4893GBbHZ46o1AKhz9GzEKedI4_dQr7ZIS1QHP1DOXUbF9Fge9SGGRP1cq5kgTKDCvKzz2NmAGcALdzBObTdmsB5ZayAdo4Q13z--to.Q76LqBjVDwMVRYQf01ASup0lB_dIJHb4VqDF9Tl4uiY&dib_tag=se&keywords=pad+liners&qid=1768585162&s=hpc&sprefix=pad+liners%2Chpc%2C189&sr=1-8
5. DD felt like she wanted those individual flushable wipes to help at school. https://www.amazon.com/Stall-Mates-individually-Vitamin-Biodegradable/dp/B00PRJT9RY/ref=sr_1_7_pp?crid=2IVETHU39CQVK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.c2MHw-Y08FRq4e73RoryePKOwNC91zvDKYam3mRrpVFlMdDcELhUH_eNaO_q456pJh_SgEXbvLS3BECJ8rwROiqeibHnapPMQbabEGjdCidSZgmI12TYO36grFbV5uIIUKgPBtZawUHe1I1FnTcVi2sXgwr7NTfnsubQo5UpeU_3b6vim7gTcka4ZymufD4FLoUmrThGBmpHlB2ZpRiCNvKrF2Pr3pP4u4ufIFmTcMlHLaIm54FLlbMTmam64rtgWkuU3E3RAAJSyTnAcNVvxlOjbS8a9qELEg2BQIXhcI8.bhlLW7bXEanXWZbW6GgAyqJ11dvlMIYGCSJJMFbcUqs&dib_tag=se&keywords=individual%2Bwipes&qid=1768585219&sprefix=individual%2Bwipe%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-7&th=1
6. Prepare a "go kit" for her to have at school. a small pouch with a couple of "everything" just in case her period strikes at school.
7. Put on a calendar approx when she will get her period
8. Chocolate... Lots of chocolate and ibuprofen if needed for cramps. DD tried those heating pads and they didn't really do it.
9. After a longgg while, if her period is REALLY REALLY REALLY bad, talk to your pediatrician about birth control pills for regularity.
Youtube is great, and Tampax has a channel on how to insert a tampon (https://www.youtube.com/@tampax). We def told DD that accidents happen and we will lose some undies along the way and there might be some accidents at night, so some stain spray and bleach are always on hand.
There are some period swimwear, but DD seemed to do just fine with a tampon.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 12:08
Subject: I need period help....period
Maybe make an appointment with a female OBGYN so she can ask all the questions that come to her mind.
Don’t mean to scare either you or her, but she should read about toxic shock syndrome if she’s going to be using tampons.
Don’t mean to scare either you or her, but she should read about toxic shock syndrome if she’s going to be using tampons.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 11:59
Subject: I need period help....period
Anonymous wrote:Giving her the things she needs now in the bathroom she uses most gives her the chance to look at and open the pads and tampons.
I didn’t talk to my own mom about this stuff at all. With my oldest, I opened up a tampon and showed her how the applicator works (by just pushing the tampon out). I also opened a pad and showed her how to stick it on her underwear.
Then I bought her a bunch of period underwear. She’s a swimmer, gymnast and dancer and she went right to tampons for practices/meets. For every day, she uses the underwear.
She has friends who wear period swimwear, but I don’t have advice there.
I honestly can’t imagine dancing or doing gymnastics in period underwear, because the chance of leaking seems really high. But most of the girls wear shorts these days, so that helps and obviously it’s whatever your kid is comfy in.
My daughter preferred the “teen” products since they tend to be smaller.
I too went straight to tampons as a tween. I couldn't deal with the pads, but I'm sure pads are nicer now.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 11:55
Subject: I need period help....period
Giving her the things she needs now in the bathroom she uses most gives her the chance to look at and open the pads and tampons.
I didn’t talk to my own mom about this stuff at all. With my oldest, I opened up a tampon and showed her how the applicator works (by just pushing the tampon out). I also opened a pad and showed her how to stick it on her underwear.
Then I bought her a bunch of period underwear. She’s a swimmer, gymnast and dancer and she went right to tampons for practices/meets. For every day, she uses the underwear.
She has friends who wear period swimwear, but I don’t have advice there.
I honestly can’t imagine dancing or doing gymnastics in period underwear, because the chance of leaking seems really high. But most of the girls wear shorts these days, so that helps and obviously it’s whatever your kid is comfy in.
My daughter preferred the “teen” products since they tend to be smaller.
I didn’t talk to my own mom about this stuff at all. With my oldest, I opened up a tampon and showed her how the applicator works (by just pushing the tampon out). I also opened a pad and showed her how to stick it on her underwear.
Then I bought her a bunch of period underwear. She’s a swimmer, gymnast and dancer and she went right to tampons for practices/meets. For every day, she uses the underwear.
She has friends who wear period swimwear, but I don’t have advice there.
I honestly can’t imagine dancing or doing gymnastics in period underwear, because the chance of leaking seems really high. But most of the girls wear shorts these days, so that helps and obviously it’s whatever your kid is comfy in.
My daughter preferred the “teen” products since they tend to be smaller.
Anonymous
01/16/2026 11:51
Subject: I need period help....period
For another person to help or she can ask questions of, maybe a nice coach or older girl she knows invoked in either of her sport - they probably have good tips specific to uniforms/avoiding bad situations/recomendations.