10 Tips for Talking to Tweens About Their Period

It's time for that talk... you know, the talk about periods with your tween. Whether you are scheming the perfect plan and moment to bring it up to her or avoiding it all together and hoping she doesn't bring it up herself, this is for you. We all need some help navigating this transitional time with our young girls. And guess what!? It doesn't have to be awkward or scary or avoided.

If we have learned anything here at Pixie it's to CELEBRATE SISTERHOOD. We want to empower young girls to live confidently and comfortably without periods holding them back. It is an amazing gift to know your body and what is happening inside. Part of celebrating sisterhood is openly teaching young girls what periods are and preparing them for the changes to come. You know that wide-eyed moment, where your heart sunk and you felt completely sick when blood started, what felt like, GUSHING out of your... you know what. And you freaked out because you had nothing with you besides the toilet paper in your best friend's bathroom. (Okay maybe that was just me.) Well that doesn't have to be the case!

Check out these 10 tips on how to have meaningful conversations with your tween or teen about periods so she can confidently join us in the sisterhood!

1. Start the Conversation Early

Don’t wait until your tween gets their first period to start the discussion. You can relieve a lot of stress and fear for your daughter simply by talking about periods before it happens. Begin introducing the topic around ages 8-10, depending on her maturity and curiosity. Early conversations make the topic less intimidating and more natural.

2. Normalize the Topic

Discuss periods as a normal and healthy part of growing up. Avoid making it a taboo or awkward subject by using correct terms and being matter-of-fact. This helps your tween feel more comfortable and less embarrassed. Remind her that periods are NORMAL! There truly is no need to be embarrassed because we are all in the same sisterhood boat–flowing along this great period journey with cramps, aches, cravings, and every other PMS symptom. 

3. Use Age-Appropriate Language

Explain menstruation in a way that matches their level of understanding. Use simple, clear language for younger tweens and gradually provide more detailed information as they grow older. Pixie offers a great resource in their My First Period Kit™ which includes an age-appropriate educational guide to walk through with your tween. 

4. Answer Questions Honestly

Encourage your tween to ask questions and answer them openly and honestly. If you don’t know the answer, that's okay to admit. Kids often stump us with their million dollar questions. It is the perfect opportunity to look up the information together and create a meaningful moment to help both of you understand. 

5. Discuss the Physical and Emotional Changes

There is more that happens during periods than just the messy blood. Prepare your tween for both the physical and emotional aspects of puberty. Explain how their body will change and that it’s normal to experience mood swings or cramps during their period. Our bodies were created to go through this process and it is good that our bodies are doing this!

6. Introduce Period Products

It is quite humorous what kids will mistake tampons for: crayons, cat toys, candy, you name it. It is important to show your young girl the different types of period products, such as pads, tampons, and menstrual cups and discs. Explain how they’re used and let them know they can choose what feels most comfortable for them so that they can be confident when on their period. 

7. Share Personal Experiences

Girls experience so much camaraderie through laughing and sharing those embarrassing period stories, like when you tragically bled through or found yourself padless. If you’re comfortable, share your own experiences with periods. And please not just all the bad ones. We don't want to scare anyone. Share the ins and outs of things you do to care for yourself and stay clean and healthy. This can help your tween feel less alone and reassure them that what they’re going through is normal. 

8. Provide Resources

Books, videos, and kits like Pixie’s My First Period Kit™ can be excellent tools to supplement your conversations. Resources designed for tweens can make the topic more relatable and engaging. Some girls may be very curious and interested in all the details while others may not. Having extra resources gives you both more confidence that you're covering the basics and gives room for more engagement with girls who are more scared or disinterested with the topic. 

9. Create an Open-Door Policy

Yes! Be an open-door and let your tween know they can always come to you with questions or concerns about their period. You are there for them. This ongoing support can help them feel more confident and secure as they make this transition. 

10. Celebrate the Milestone

CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE! CELEBRATE!🤗🥳🤩 Okay but don't go overboard and frame your daughter's first pad or anything. As one who takes every opportunity to throw parties, joining the sisterhood is such a great and special moment to celebrate! Frame your tween’s first period as a positive and empowering milestone. A small celebration, gift, or special gesture can help them feel proud of this new phase in life.

11. Go the Extra Mile - Get a My First Period Kit™

If you are looking to go the extra mile and prepare your tween with all the information and essential feminine hygiene products, Pixie has created the My First Period Kit™ which includes products tailored to tweens that are 100% safe for your tween and for the planet, giving her leak-free protection day and night. Give the gift of period freedom to your tween!

The kit comes with:

• XS Pixie Cup (Reusable, eco-friendly menstrual cup)

• Mini & Regular Sized Pads (Biodegradable and disposable)

• Pixie Wipes (Hypoallergenic, all-natural wipes)

• Daily Journal with a pen & Cycle Tracking Bracelet (For education and self-awareness)

• Compact Heating Pad (Microwaveable for cramp relief)

• Soft Sleep Mask (Encourages restful sleep during her period)

• Pixie Water Bottle (Promotes hydration for wellness)

• Cross-Body Bag (Stylish and discreet for carrying essentials)

All in all, talking about periods doesn’t have to be stressful. By approaching the topic with empathy, openness, and positivity, you can create a safe space for your tween to learn and grow. Remember, your guidance and support are invaluable as they navigate this important stage of their life. You know your girl the best. Cater to her personality and engage in the topic in a way that best suits her. 

I am celebrating all you women who are striving to love and care for your tween and equip them for what's to come! And I am celebrating all the future girls who will join the sisterhood. I'll be throwing a party from here!