Creating a Period Kit for Your Daughter: Everything Moms Need to Know

There are few natural occurrences that have received as much criticism, taboo, and labels as a girl's period. A lot of it comes down to mindset, and it can be a beautiful or devastating thing depending on how you speak about it. Parents of daughters know this all too well when that inevitable time of the month finally arrives. And as nerve-wracking as it is for us, it's even more panic-inducing for those experiencing it for the first time.

Enter: The period kit! These care packages are slowly changing how kids view this natural process. Parents can include anything from menstrual supplies to creature comforts, and it's revolutionizing what would otherwise be a scary moment for a tween or teen. So, moms, get ready, because your daughter will thank you for gifting her the ultimate survival kit for her first period.

How to Introduce a Period Kit

There's nothing shameful about self-care. This is a good place to start when explaining to your daughter what her period kit is for. Taking care of yourself is a need, not a want, and this kit will help her do precisely that. While she's doing this, it's only natural that questions might come up about the process or what to expect. To take some of the pressure and embarrassment out of asking them, include some “no-questions-asked coupons.” This advice comes from Reddit, where a user suggests adding these handmade coupons so your daughter can ask anything she wants, without fear or judgment.

Period kits are also incomplete without a note. Take the time to write something heartfelt! Maybe it includes your first-period experience, or advice passed down by your own mother. Too often, women are handed a tampon and told, “Good luck.” This is the chance for moms to connect with their daughters over a shared experience, and let them know they're not alone. As you're breaking the cycle, you're also building her confidence and self-esteem. After this comes the fun part of putting together a period kit.

Start With the Basics

Transportability is important when it comes to periods on the go. Determining what type of bag your daughter would prefer to carry her period basics in is crucial. Something discreet but fun is the goal, and it will make her feel confident knowing she has what she needs, wherever she goes.

Etsy is a great source for cute, customizable, and unique period pouches. One person commented on this Etsy listing for a “Vampire Tea Bags” cosmetic bag, saying, “This is an extremely well-made bag. It was a gift so that my child, who did not want to announce to the world that they were on their period, could show it to their teacher so they could let them go without a fuss.”

Most of these can hold several pads, a period cup, and even more tampons, so you can include a range of absorbency levels. Some pouches even fold up like wallets, which can easily slide into the side pocket of a purse or backpack. With clever labels like “cycle slayer” and “primordial pouch,” your daughter will get a laugh every time she pulls out her period pouch. A customizable bag is also a great way to say “I love you, and this is normal” without actually saying it. Pro tip: Period underwear, or just a spare pair, can be a relief to have on hand.

Pain Relievers and Big Comforts

First comes blood, then come the aches and pains that remind us that we're women with working ovaries. And sometimes, this is the most uncomfortable part of getting your first period. Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Midol, or Pamprin for heavy days are all great additions to a period kit. For more all-natural pain relief options, aromatherapy can be a powerful, relaxing aid during cramp time. Certain teas, such as those containing raspberry leaf, chamomile, peppermint, or ginger, are great options. Tea bags are easy to add to any kit, and herbal blends are caffeine-free.

Another wonderful thing to have is a portable, rechargeable heating pad. These are discreet, small enough to fit in a bag, and can be worn underneath clothes without anyone knowing. Some of them even have a vibration option that can soothe common lower backaches. Microwaveable heating pads are equally effective and save some space in a bag or backpack.

Snacks and Sweet Treats

When those cravings hit, it's undeniable. The need to snack on something sweet or chocolately is often too strong to ignore. In the middle of a school day, your daughter might find herself needing a quick treat. Thankfully, as the best mom in the world, you've already considered this. Depending on the size of a period kit, you can include things like:

• Her favorite candy (even in miniature sizes!)
• Ginger chews for stomach aches
• Mints for confidence
• Gummies or sour candies for random anxiety spikes
• Yummy protein bars or snacks for low-energy days
• Sweet-and-salty snacks, like chocolate-covered pretzels
• Chocolate-covered berries or nuts for antioxidants and energy

Snacks go a long way, especially on those days when everything hurts, and her appetite is nowhere to be found.

Fun Things and Distractions

We're not just talking about fidget toys! This is the time to get creative and really hone in on what brings your daughter joy. Squishes, mini squishmallows, cute hand sanitizer holders, bag-sized puzzle games, or even a miniature journal are great for the days leading up to and during her period. You can even deck out the period kit with bag charms or keychains, adding to that sweet personalization.

Some period symptoms also extend beyond our reproductive organs. Make your daughter feel seen and cared for with some fun pimple patches, an extra stick of deodorant, a physical period tracker, or even a book about what to expect. Any and all of these are helpful during that tricky time, but can take the embarrassment and shame out of an experience that should be normalized.

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