Preparing for Puberty: A Period Kit

Preparing for Puberty: A Period Kit | Heritage Mom

source: https://heritagemom.com/index.php/2019/04/04/preparing-for-puberty-a-period-kit/

I've been a mom of "littles" for so long that my identity is linked to that life stage. My youngest is three, so the label still fits, but times are a-changin'. One of my oldest daughter's BFFs started her period three months ago, and it gave me pause. My daughter is nine, and I've been talking to her about puberty for a long time, but hearing her friend's big news spurred me to action.

I started thinking about what I'll do when she tells me that she's started her period, and I had no plan. I remember what a nightmare day that was for me: My mom yelled downstairs for my dad to "run to the store for some maxi pads." She'd had a hysterectomy years prior, so it was excruciatingly obvious that the paraphernalia was for me, and I was mortified. I took what was tossed my way and just went with it even though I later found that there were products much better-suited for my size and flow.

Because of our puberty read-alouds (That sounds so corny!) and the candid conversations that followed, my daughter is way past the embarrassment thing which is pretty cool. In fact, she's so looking forward to every stage that I'm afraid that she'll ultimately be disappointed.

Menstruation is not exactly Disney World, but who am I to burst a happy bubble?

She recently asked if she can have a period party to celebrate with her friends when her time comes. I thought that was a ridiculous question, but a quick google search assured me that it's a real thing. Call me lame, but I'm thinking that we're not going that route though I can appreciate her desire to do something special. I'm not baking a red cake and passing out tampons to her peeps, but I do plan to have a mommy + daughter weekend away to celebrate, bond, and envelope her in all kinds of special attention. I'll be taking her to Serenbe - a place she adores. We're going to stay in one of rooms on the grounds of Serenbe Inn. This is THE place. She will love it! Yes, it's expensive. That's why I'm planning now.

But before we can go away, we'll have to deal with some basic logistics, if you know what I mean. I searched online for a cute period box or some type of kit, but none of them had all of the components I was looking for, so I created this one myself.

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Here's what I ended up with:

Happy 4 Life Essentials Organizer. Yes, this is a diaper caddy, but it's exactly what I was looking for. I wanted a cute, spacious, compartmentalized container that she will enjoy and be able to re-purpose once the novelty of the kit wears off. KUPIDER Waterproof Toiletry Bag. This little bag is adorable. The fish pattern is modern and fun, and she can carry it around as needed without anyone suspecting that it contains her period gear. Love My Reusable Bamboo Fiber Menstrual Pads. Shopping for reusable cloth pads reminded me of perusing cloth diapers - so many brands and cute patterns. I've never used them myself and couldn't decide which brand or size to try so I also got these... Luna Cup Washable Menstrual Cloth Pads. Both these and the Love My set above come with a little matching zipper pouch "wet bag." I don't know how she'll feel about washable pads, in general, but I'm presenting them as a normal, viable option. I want her to have the unbiased freedom to make her own choice. Always Disposable Pads & Pantiliners. Even if she uses the washable cloth pads, I'm sure there are times when she'll prefer the convenience of disposable items. Or maybe she'll want these all the time. I bought three packs of several different sizes - larger/high absorbency pads, regular pads, and slender liners. Anna & Eric Leakproof Period Panties. These panties claim "to give extra protection against staining your clothes and sheets during your menstrual periods. No more embarrassing stains on clothing or mess of cleaning the mattress." One of the worst parts of having a period - especially for a young girl - is the fear of leaking through your clothes. These panties still require a pad (some period panties don't), but they have an extra layer of protection to help with leaks. Tansan Leakproof Period Panties. I included another brand in a different size because really, I have no clue what I'm doing. I'm throwing darts and hoping that something sticks. Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!): The Ultimate Puberty Book for Girls. We've already read two books together, but I got this one for her to read by herself. I did a lot of research to find just the right book, and this one is a winner. It's age-appropriate, encouraging, and kind. It doesn't cover sex, boys, or eating disorders which makes it a great option for younger girls to read alone without Mom needing to hover and discuss every other page. The author, Sonya Renee Taylor, is doing some amazing work aside from this book, and yes, that little black girl front and center on the cover won me over!

Amelery Sterling Silver Mother Daughter Necklace. This is not actually part of the period box, but I plan to give it to her when we have our weekend away. My girl loves jewelry, and I think this piece is so full of meaning. The interlocking circles loosely represent the symbol for infinity, a nod to the infinite power of a mother's love - it has no end. Sweet, right? And let's keep it real...For that price, I will feel nothing if she breaks it on the trampoline or leaves it at the pool because she will. And I can just get another one.

I spent $125 on the whole kit. On one hand, that's outrageous for a period box so feel free to freak out for a moment. On the other hand, it was a good investment. The disposable stuff was $23 of it, and that's going to be needed sooner or later. The rest of it is non-consumable, so I will actually save a ton of money in the end if she chooses to go the reusable route. The book is invaluable. The necklace will make her smile, and it was 10 bucks. When I think of how different her experience will be from mine, I know this splurge was well worth it.

So that's where I am. The period kit is hidden in an ugly cardboard box on the top shelf of my closet, waiting to make it's debut. It was fun to put together, and I think it will help meet her practical and emotional needs when the time comes.

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