Expert / 5 January, 2026 / Christina Walter

Supporting Your Child Through Their First Period: A Guide For Parents

Navigating your child’s first period is a big moment, for them and for you. Dr Kiran Rahim, paediatrician and WUKA healthcare expert, is here to reassure you that with a little preparation and a lot of open conversation, it can become an empowering milestone that lays the foundations for lifelong confidence, body literacy and self-care.

Start the Conversation Early

You don’t have to wait until your child starts their period to begin the conversation. In fact, it’s helpful to start talking about puberty as soon as their body begins to change, such as when breast buds appear or they begin to grow taller. These early signs are your cue to open up gentle, age-appropriate conversations about what’s happening and what’s to come. Your child may already know some things from friends, or they may have questions they want to ask you. Talking early and often helps normalise the topic, reduces anxiety, and gives your child the confidence to ask questions and understand their body with curiosity rather than fear. Use this time to gently introduce the idea of puberty and the menstrual cycle in everyday language, helping your child understand what happens and why. This can build their understanding gradually, rather than one big, overwhelming conversation.

Framing it as a natural, healthy part of growing up can remove fear or embarrassment and instead build curiosity and self-assurance. This is a great time to address any cultural taboos that exist in the community and how you will help them navigate this.

Understanding the Menstrual Cycle

Make it simple and clear: every month, the uterus builds a lining in case a pregnancy happens, and when it doesn’t, the body sheds that lining as a period. Explain that the cycle can vary in length and that periods themselves can come with changes in mood, energy and even appetite. Understanding these patterns helps children make sense of how they feel and teaches them to listen to their bodies.

Introduce Period Products: With Choice in Mind

There’s a wide range of period products available, from pads and tampons to menstrual cups and period pants. Talk them through the options, and importantly, give them the power to choose what feels most comfortable and safe. Period pants, like those from WUKA, are a fantastic starting point, discreet, easy to use, and washable, making them a sustainable option that feels like regular underwear. Helping your child understand that periods are a lifelong journey means it’s never too early to talk about environmental impact and choosing reusable options where possible.

Talk About More Than Just Periods

Periods are just one part of puberty. As their bodies change, children need reassurance that these transformations, breasts developing, hair growing, changes in mood and energy levels are ALL completely normal. Use this as a chance to talk about body positivity and self-care. Emphasise that every body is different, and that’s something to celebrate. If you can, talk about your own journey with periods in a positive way.

Create a Period Hamper

One of the most reassuring things you can do is help your child feel prepared. A period hamper is a great way to do this. Include essentials like WUKA Teen Sleep Stretch™ Super Heavy Set 2 Pack, or WUKA Period School Set – Hipster 2 Pack, a cosy hot water bottle, some fluffy socks, healthy snacks like dark chocolate or dried fruit, and a little notebook to track moods or questions. Add in a warm note from you to make it personal and encouraging.

Above all, be the safe space they come to with their questions, worries, and discoveries. When we talk openly about periods, we show our children that their bodies are nothing to be ashamed of, but to be understood, respected and cared for.

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Expert article written by Dr Kiran Rahim, Paediatrician and WUKA health care expert. 

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