So as I’ve noticed my eldest has started to enter puberty, I wanted to put something together for her to help manage through these changes and prepare her for more changes to come, including the start of her period!

This is such a period of rapid physical and emotional changes that can be difficult to navigate, especially without guidance and support. It’s a big step in becoming a woman and taking care of your own health. I remember for myself, I was quite young when my period started, still in primary school, but thankfully my mum was really supportive and open to conversations.

Even though we haven’t quite started with periods yet, I thought it was a good idea to be prepared and know what to expect for both of us. So I decided to put together a box of supplies and resources to get the conversations flowing and get prepared for all the changes that are to come…

I’ve also been consuming as much as I can for myself, books and brochures that can help me, as a parent, in teaching girls about their bodies and how to take care of themselves during this new stage of life. I want my girls to feel confident and ready when their period does arrive and bodily changes start (and have started) to happen.

Here are some of the items I put in our “girl stuff” boxes and where I purchased them from if you want to make your own:

What I Put In Our Box

• Pads and tampons – I bought a mix of items to get the girls familiar with their options
  • Libra offers a “girl” range and is available from Woolies often on sale.
• Period Underwear – Again, wanting to provide all options to my girls so they can choose what they like best
  • Modibodi had a $15 discount code here.
• Period Swimwear – So she doesn’t feel like she has to miss out on swimming!
  • I got these great racing swimmers from Ms Fierce.
• Pain relief/Ibuprofen – For relieving cramps and other PMS symptoms
• Wheat pad – For relieving cramps and other menstrual discomforts
  • A great local brand to me makes some gorgeous prints, Mindful Marlo.
• Hair Removal Options – To open up the discussion about body hair and hair removal, only if she wishes to and so she can safely if she wishes
• Journal or notebook – Encourage my girls to use this to track their periods and note any changes or unusual symptoms.
• Education cards – I found these incredible anatomy/terminology cards on Instagram!!
  • EVRYBODY – Order them here
• Chocolate or other treats – of course!!
• Emergency contacts and support contacts – Include a list of people your daughter can contact if she needs help or support.
• Small bag or pouch – This can be used to carry supplies when out and about. I got one from Kmart
• Books or brochures on puberty, menstruation, and self-care – I have included a list below of books we’ve bought 🙂
• Bra/crop top – The girls already like wearing crops or little sports bras I think like mum, but now changes are happening we can have a conversation about changes that will happen as puberty begins.
• Natural deodorant – To help manage odour during puberty and open up conversations about body changes.
  • WILD – This ones my pick!
  • Wildhood
  • WooHoo
• Skincare – This was a later addition, as of course with hormones and bodily changes can come breakout and skin changes. So we added some simple and clean skincare suitable for young skin to our routine/box.

It’s important to remember that every person is different and may have different needs and preferences when it comes to managing their periods. It’s a good idea to have a conversation with your daughter about what she would like to include in her “girl stuff” period box and to make sure that she has the supplies she needs to feel comfortable and prepared.

Books For Young Girls

Reading about puberty and menstruation can be a helpful and empowering way for young girls to learn about their bodies and how to take care of themselves during this new stage of life.

Here are some we have purchased or have been recommended

“A Girl’s Guide to Puberty” by Michelle Mitchell – This book is jammed packed with need-to-know information, messages of respect and positive vibes to help tweens face puberty with confidence

“Girl Stuff 8-12” by Kaz Cooke – Girl Stuff 8–12 is the essential younger girl’s guide to puberty and the pre-teen years

“Welcome to Your Period” by Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes – A frank, funny, age-appropriate guide for pre-teens about getting your period, from Dr Melissa Kang (a former Dolly Doctor) and Yumi Stynes (all-round excellent woman).

“Welcome to Consent” by Melissa Kang and Yumi Stynes – An inclusive, frank and funny guide to navigating consent for tweens and teens of all genders, from the award-winning authors of Welcome To Your Period.

“Love Your Body” by Jessica Sanders – Love Your Body introduces the language of self-love and self-care to help build resilience while representing and celebrating diverse bodies, encouraging you to appreciate your uniqueness.

Books For Parents

“Raising Girls Who Like Themselves” by Kasey Edwards And Dr Christopher Scanlon – Packed with practical, evidence-based advice, it is the indispensable guide to raising a girl who is happy and confident in herself.

“Girlhood” by Maggie Dent – Australia’s queen of common-sense parenting and how we parent our girls from birth to 8 will determine their path as teens and young women.

“The Princess Bitchface Syndrome 2.0” by Michael Carr-Gregg – In this hard-hitting book focuses on the special trials of raising adolescent girls today: what to do when your previously quiet, loving daughter becomes a restless, rebellious stranger who behaves like a responsible adult one day and a vampish brat the next.

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As a parent, I think we play a crucial role in helping our daughter feel more confident and capable as she navigates the challenges of growing up. By providing access to resources and support early, I hope I can help her build a strong foundation of self-esteem and self-care that will serve her well throughout her life.