When Your Daughter Gets Her First Period: A Gentle Guide for Parents

By Puri Kesuma

A girl’s first period is more than a biological milestone, it’s an emotional moment she may remember for the rest of her life. As a parent, how you respond, explain, and support her during this time can shape how she views her body, menstruation, and self-care in the future.

Here’s what you can do as a parent to turn this moment into a positive, empowering experience.

1. Stay Calm and Positive

When your daughter gets her first period, your reaction matters more than you might realize.

Yes, it can feel emotional, time really does fly, and suddenly your “little girl” is growing up. But your calm and reassuring attitude will help her feel safe, supported, and confident.

If you can, please avoid reacting with panic, embarrassment, or overly dramatic emotions. Instead, take a deep breath, smile, and let her know that this is a normal and healthy part of growing up.

Simple words like, “This is completely normal my dear, and I’m here for you,” can make a huge difference.

While it’s recommended to start explaining periods before she got the first one (around ages 8–9), it’s never too late to educate your teenager about what menstruation is, how they might feel, and how they can take care of themselves during their period.

You can also gently introduce simple hygiene habits, such as:

• Change period products  regularly

• Shower as usual to maintain hygiene

• No need to wash inside the vagina

• Wear comfortable cotton underwear

• Drink plenty of water

2. Explain What’s Normal and Debunks Period Myths

Many teenagers feel scared during their first period simply because they don’t know what to expect. This is the perfect time to gently explain what’s normal and what’s not.

Let her know that:

• Periods may be irregular at first

• Blood flow can vary from light to heavy

• Mild cramps, mood changes, or fatigue are common

• Every girl’s cycle is different, and that’s completely normal

Keep the explanation simple, age-appropriate, and judgment-free. Encourage her to ask questions anytime. You can also discuss some of the local myths she might hear from her friends such as: we cannot swim during periods, we cannot eat or drink particular food. Explain to her that periods should not limit her from doing things that she wants at school or daily lives. 

The goal is to make menstruation feel understandable, not mysterious or shameful, so she feels comfortable opening up to you whenever she feels unsure or uncomfortable.

3. Discuss Pain Management

Menstrual cramps are common, especially during the first few cycles. Talk openly about some ways she can manage period cramps  so she doesn’t feel helpless or afraid.

You can introduce these options to her such as:

• Putting warm oil to her belly (eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, cinnamon and clove oil, ginger oil, or else)

• Having warm compresses or heating pads

• Gentle stretching or light movement
  

• Enough rest and hydration (yes, drinking water)
  
  

• Balanced nutrition, especially iron-rich food such as spinach, broccoli, beans, and your choice of protein: tofu, chicken, fish, and avoid too much sugar

• Pain relief methods such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, only if it's recommended by a healthcare professional 

Most importantly, validate her feelings. Let her know it’s okay to rest and listen to her body. Pain should never be ignored, but it also doesn’t need to be feared.

Reassure her to ask for help immediately if:

• The pain feels too strong

• The bleeding is very heavy

• She feels dizzy or unwell

Remind her that asking for help is a brave and responsible thing to do.

4. Teach Her to Track Her Menstrual Cycle

Teaching her to track her cycle might seem like a small step, but it’s incredibly important for all people with a menstrual cycle, including teenagers.

When a girl knows how to track her menstrual cycle early, it helps her build body awareness, nurture kindness and build confidence in herself.

You can introduce:

• A simple calendar where she marks her period 

• A calendar in her notebook/diary and/or on her phone 

• A teenager-friendly period tracking app, such as Oky App developed by Unicef:

Explain that tracking helps her:

• Understand her body better

• Prepare for upcoming periods

• Recognize what’s normal for her

This simple habit empowers her with knowledge and helps reduce anxiety around unexpected changes.

5. Celebrate the pivotal moment of her life!

Yes, celebrate it by making a cake together or going somewhere together or having a mini celebration with her close friends.

A first period doesn’t have to feel awkward or scary. It can be a meaningful milestone worth honoring.

You can turn this moment into something memorable by:

• Having a special conversation or family moment

• Writing her a short note of encouragement

• Giving her a thoughtful gift that supports her comfort and confidence

At this time, you can also be more prepared by giving her the Perfectfit First Period Kit reassurance.

A well-prepared first period kit helps her feel:

• Safe

• Comfortable

• Supported

• Confident at school, at home, or wherever she goes

It’s also a great opportunity to gently educate her that period products are not one-size-fits-all. Today, there are many options available, ranging from organic pads, reusable cloth pads, period underwear, menstrual cups, and more.

She deserves to know her choices and decide what feels best for her body.

By celebrating and educating at the same time, you help her see menstruation not as a limitation, but as a natural, powerful part of growing into womanhood.

In the end, supporting your daughter through her first period is about more than managing blood, it’s about building trust, confidence, and self-love.

With calm guidance, open conversations, and the right menstrual care, this milestone can become a beautiful beginning rather than a stressful memory.

And a gentle reminder for her:

“Your period does not change who you are. You are growing, learning, and becoming more you every day.”