I think I read that schools now are required to have supplies in the restrooms, at least in FCPS.

OP, I put a little makeup bag with a couple of period products, clean underwear, and an extra pair of leggings in her backpack. I told her it was there for her or any friend who started her period unexpectedly. I remember a middle school teacher who had these things on hand, but I would have been too embarrassed to seek her out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

What? Dancers, gymnasts, swimmers, anyone who goes to a beach or pool, or just personal preference are reasons to use tampons. I never touched a pad until postpartum. I don’t understand what this issue is??

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

This 100% +1

I don’t understand? Why not?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

This 100% +1

My oldest got hers at camp the summer before 6th grade. I have no idea for sure but imagine the nurse gave her pads. She switched to tampons as soon as she got home. The younger one did a Girls in STEM camp that gave all of the girls a swag bag including a little case that held 2 tampons or a maxi. It was small enough to conceal in the palm of your hand.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

Because some teenagers dance, are gymnasts, or swimmers, or just don’t like sitting in a wet pad of blood.

+100 All my teen’s friends started on tampons. They have junior sized ones now. It’s very different than the 80s when we grew up, very much the norm. And since they were all in sports of some kind - dance, gymnastics, equestrian it was really the only option for many.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

Because some teenagers dance, are gymnasts, or swimmers, or just don’t like sitting in a wet pad of blood.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
She’ll use the large variety of hygiene products that are ALREADY in the house, because I have them on hand for my own needs?

I don’t understand why this is an issue.

That’s exactly what I was thinking

For real. I can’t imagine not having a single pad in the house

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
She’ll use the large variety of hygiene products that are ALREADY in the house, because I have them on hand for my own needs?

I don’t understand why this is an issue.

+1. Unless OP is a single dad (which I suppose is possible), don't you already have pads and tampons on hand? And if not, you buy some and toss them in the bathroom cabinet until the time comes. It's not like they expire. Hell, my 90 year old grandma still has feminine products on hand in the guest bathroom (she's got a passel of daughters and granddaughters) just in case.

NP here but I didn’t have anything around because I got a Mirena after my youngest was born and hadn’t had a period in ten years. But also I wouldn’t have wanted to start my DD with what I did use to have on hand - super tampax.

Really?? You don’t have pads, liners, or less absorbent (smaller) tampons for lighter days or nights? Super Tampax exclusively seems unhealthy, especially several hours overnight

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

Huh? You won’t “allow your teenager” to use tampons? My 12 yo figured them out in her own. You may wanna cool it on the micromanaging

Seriously. Different poster but DD swims every day - what would you suggest instead?

Anonymous wrote:
She’ll use the large variety of hygiene products that are ALREADY in the house, because I have them on hand for my own needs?

I don’t understand why this is an issue.

That’s exactly what I was thinking

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.

Huh? You won’t “allow your teenager” to use tampons? My 12 yo figured them out in her own. You may wanna cool it on the micromanaging

I got my 5th grade dd dd some of everything (liners, tampons, cup, and thinx) when she started to look like her period might be imminent, and I got a cute zipper case to carry supplies in for school. My period is like niagara falls, so I have nothing on hand for myself that would be suitable for a young girl.

For the disposables she and I were thinking it would be nice to have some in her backpack even if she hasn't started yet, just in case a friend needs something and isn't prepared.

I would have liked to have periods and their supplies more normalized when I was a kid (instead of essentially being shameful). No worries if others prefer to wait until the need arises, but I wanted to have some options ready for my girl.

Anonymous wrote:I bought pads and tampons well in advance. We discussed how to use a tampon and I told my daughter she could practice if she wanted so she would be ready. I put them in a drawer under her sink and didn't say anything else. By the time she got her period she knew how to use tampons and now only wears them (thinks the idea of a pad is gross) and period underwear to sleep in.

Why on earth would you allow your teenager to use tampon?? Wtf?! That shouldn’t be the first thing you give her.