A 'first period' box, to prepare for the first menstruation

Slowly but steadily I'm getting the news of Sara's friends getting their first period. Between the age of 11 and 13 it will most likely take place. (Of course some girls are younger, and some are older.) Sara is not there yet, but it might not be that long now!

Do you remember getting your first period? For me, it wasn't a big event -- my mum just smiled and handed me a sanitary pad, and that was it. A little later, a friend showed me how to use tampons and I've never looked back.

I would like Sara to be a bit more prepared for when it happens, so I thought it would be cute to get her a box of 'period necessities'. I also included a few other treats to make it all fun.

Getting your period is not a  big deal, but at the same time it totally is! It's a step in the transition from girl to woman, it's a big change, and on the other hand, it's something so incredibly normal to all women. It should be totally discussable, acceptable and even celebrated!

Here's what I put in the box.

A first period box

• a range of organic tampons and sanitary pads in different absorbencies

• lavender bags for a relaxing bath

• lavender essential oil to use in a diffuser in her room (also relaxing, and calming)

• a cute box of herbal tea with honey straws

• a bar of her favourite chocolate : )

• a little 'emergency' pouch for in her school backpack, with a few tampons, pads and some sanitary wipes. I also included a few painkillers, in case she suddenly gets cramps.

When I gave her the box, she was so excited! She immediately put the emergency pouch in her backpack and told me she already had been worrying about what would happen if her period would start at school.

It was a good opportunity to explain a thing or two about pads and tampons, how to use them and what to do if you leak, etc. (She had been talking with her friends about this too, who already are having their periods.) It was also a good time again to explain more in depth about the uterus and the monthly cycle, about cramps and tender breasts and hormones and mood swings.

Thankfully Sara is very comfortable with her body and she knows that she can always come to me with questions. It's a safe feeling for her (and me!) to know that we are now prepared for her first period, and that there are a few treats waiting for when it happens : ).

xxx Esther

PS If you're curious about the box -- this is just a box I found in our trash and decorated myself with an illustration I found in a magazine...

PPS Some sweet gifts for a girl who just had her first period. These would be cute to include too!