My Daughter Started Her Period.

My 10 year old started about 5 months ago, and we're just now getting the hang of things. The biggest obstacle we've faced is finding a comfortable pad for her. The first month was fine, then the second month she decided that they weren't comfortable so she'd just wear 3 pairs of underwear instead - UGH! I discovered this when I was doing laundry! So we had a long talk, and have experimented with different pads. All of the thicker pads are too wide for the pelvic area of a 10 year old, and the narrower "pads" are all too thin (basically, they're just the liners). I really wish they still made the mini-pads with wings, but I haven't been able to find them anywhere. And she has no interest in tampons.

In terms of her classmates, no one knows, and there's not really a reason to tell them. She hasn't had any issues with embarrassment with the kids.

I guess everyone gave you great advises... just one more, take her to your Obgyn... it has been said that she needs to start seeing a doctor once she has her 1st. period. The doctor won't do any test, but she will need one ASAP as her body is changing... good luck!

Make sure she is prepared so there are no accidents. Let the teacher know so she can identify anything awkward before the other kids do.

I agree with the other advice you have received. This is not an event that is announced in class, so if she tells no one, there will be no opportunity for teasing. If she does share, one can assume it will be with a trusted girlfriend who may be going through the same phase. If she treats this as a private matter, such as it is, there shouldn't be a problem.

Good morning E.... I am a mother of two girls my oldest started her period at 8... and my middle daughter started at 10 also. what I did was buy a cute little pouch for her to place in her back pack and when it's that time of the month she can take it with her to the restroom and no will know were and what she is doing. I also, would send a note with her to school or call the nurse to advise them so that if she needs to go during class it will not be a problem...

Good luck,

G.

I agree. A lot of girls are starting at that age. I started at 11 and I did have one horrible experience in 6th grade. I left my purse in the classroom while I went to the library and a boy went into it. He told everyone that I had a pad in my purse and that was so embarrassing for me. However, I have noticed that kids today seem a lot more mature but still...tell her to keep her purse with her or locked in a locker at all times :) . I'm 33 and I still remember that!

A lot of 10 yr old girls at school are having periods. It is only known to other students if you tell other students.

Most teachers are very good about this and take extra effort to make sure a young girl feels comfortable about leaving the classroom if needed and not making a big deal about it, etc.

Best wishes.

You'd be surprissed how many start that young, both of ours started at 10 and it was never an issue. I just put a little pouch of pads in the bottom of their backpack and an extra pair of panties and leggins just in case. Luckily they never needed them. Good luck!

Hi E., I started my period when I was nine. Just make sure to tell her teacher that she may need to be excused for the bathroom more than normal going forward, as the feeling of leaking is not normal for her yet. I didn't experience anyone making fun of me because no one other than my teacher knew why I was going to the bathroom. It was funny though, the main people I didn't want knowing was my dad and brother. I was so embarresed when I was 11 and my dad had to bring me a pad while playing softball. I actually gripped my mom out for telling my dad.

Lots of great advice! I like the idea of putting their supplies in a pouch or something where she can discreetly take it to the restroom, and leave a back up kit with her in the nurses office.

My 10 year has not started yet, but I anticipate it sooner than later.

We've discussed with her that her period is private and not to be "announced" to her peers but that she can go to her teachers/nurse or counselor and get the help she needs if she's at school. I too fear my children being harassed! All it takes is that one incident to get them labeled and mistreated.

Talk to the school nurse. Our school just showed our 4th grade girls a short film called "Just around the Corner". It explained puberty and periods. It was suggested that girls who have started their period keep a "kit" in the nurses office just in case. Your daughter's friends do not have to know about this unless she tells them. Our teachers are very good at letting the students go to the restroom by themselves whenever they ask. If your daugther has an aide, you might want to speak to the aide as well.

I had a horrible experience in middle school so my advice is to make SURE that she knows that she can go to the nurse if she needs a pad.
Love the pouch in the purse/backpack idea that someone else shared. I would leave them in there all the time in case she starts at school.

One other suggestion is to help her plan when she needs to change so she doesn't have an accident. Look at her schedule and discuss when would be a good time to go. Talk to her teacher(s) and let them know.