First Period Checklist for Mums

Name: First Period Kit
Brand: Eltee Sydney
SKU: LTKITEG
Price: 16.00 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

You’ve seen the signs. A growth spurt that emptied her wardrobe. Mood swings that can flip over cornflakes. Maybe even the first hints of breasts or pubic hair. Puberty’s clocking on, which means her first period isn’t far behind.

Here’s the thing: this isn’t a moment for panic. It’s a prep job. Your role? Be the calm, organised one with the intel and the gear so she can get on with life, school, sport, friends, without drama.

Mixed feelings? Normal.

Nostalgia for your little girl, pride for the young woman she’s becoming, maybe nerves about getting it “right.” All standard. Acknowledge it, then park it. Your calm sets the tone.

Your role: project manager, not poet

Think of this as Operation First Period. You don’t need a heartfelt monologue. You need a checklist, some supplies, and a straight answer when she asks, “Mum, what’s happening?”

Menarche 101: no mystique required

Menarche is just the fancy word for first period. It’s not a curse, not an illness. It’s a body doing its job. Like losing teeth, just messier. Keep it factual, keep it light.

What’s happening: Each month the uterus builds a lining. If it’s not needed, the body clears it out. That’s a period.
The cycle: Day one of bleeding to the day before the next. Teens are often all over the place at first, anywhere from 21 to 45 days.

The hormones: Oestrogen and progesterone call the shots. They build the lining, clear the lining, and stir up moods.

Confident teenage girl raising her hand in class

When to expect it

The average age is 12, but the normal range is 9 to 15. Genetics play a part. If nothing by 15, or it kicks in before 9, check with a doctor. Otherwise, her timeline is her own.

The signs it’s close

Breast buds first, then pubic and underarm hair.
A growth spurt before the main event.
Vaginal discharge six months to a year out.
Mood swings? Part of the deal. Not unique to periods.

Busting the myths mums hear ❌

Myth: She’ll start when her friends do.
Reality: Everyone’s clock is different.
Myth: Discharge means next week.
Reality: More like within 6 to 12 months.
Myth: Periods always start at 12.
Reality: Anywhere 9 to 15 is normal.

Myth: Day one equals hormonal monster.
Reality: If you’ve had door slams already, puberty beat periods to it.

Mother sitting behind girl doing her hair

Your prep checklist

This is the part that matters. What to sort now so she’s never caught off guard:

Start the chat. Short, casual convos beat one Big Talk.
Build a kit. Periodwear (Eltees), a Stain Slayer wipe, a zip pouch. School bag, sports bag, bathroom. Done.
Explain the gear. Show her pads, liners, and period underwear. UnderSwim goes under togs, Bumpers Briefs replace pads. She needs to know how it all works.
Normalise it. “This is just part of your body’s routine” lands better than, “Don’t worry sweetheart, it’s all beautiful and magical.”
Cover cramps. Stock ibuprofen, have a heat pack ready. Small things, big relief.

Check timing. Nothing by 15, or bleeding before 9? Doctor visit. Otherwise, stay cool.

Bottom line

Your girl doesn’t need crystal-ball predictions. She needs a mum with a plan, a pouch, and a practical attitude. Periods aren’t the end of anything. They’re just part of the game.