![](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/9.jpg?w=1080&ssl=1\")
<\/center><\/p>\nWhen it comes to feminine hygiene supplies, there are almost as many questions as there are products!\u00a0 Since your daughter will use approximately 10,000 pads<\/a>, tampons<\/a> and\/or panty liners<\/a> in her lifetime, it is worth investing some time to learn more about her options.<\/p>\n The Starting Line<\/strong><\/p>\n Some girls start menstruating at age 9 while others don\u2019t have their first period until age 15.\u00a0 Whether your daughter starts before most of her friends, along with them, or is one of the last to get her period, the odds are good that she will start with disposable pads (or a mix of disposable pads and panty liners).\u00a0 Pads are practical, easy to use, and highly effective.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hurdles <\/strong><\/p>\n The interest level in trying an internal product varies widely among girls who have recently started menstruating.\u00a0 Some of the most common reasons for growing more interested include:<\/p>\n – Friends\u2019 Recommendations If your daughter is expressing interest, make time to make sure you and she are both well educated about her options.\u00a0 While your daughter may be talking about this subject with friends, keep in mind that research shows<\/a> an adolescent’s decision to use tampons is most influenced by her mother.\u00a0 As her coach, it is important you know the basics:<\/p>\n – Age. If your daughter is menstruating, her body is physically mature enough for tampon usage.\u00a0 There is no \u201cright\u201d age to try a first tampon.\u00a0 The transition is easier for girls who are already comfortable with menstruation, having managed several periods with pads.<\/p>\n – Fear.\u00a0 If your daughter is anxious, rushed, or fearful about inserting anything into her vagina, it may be best to delay tampon usage.\u00a0 Slow down and provide her more information, and the opportunity to explore her own anatomy privately with a hand-held mirror (apart from and prior to her first attempt to insert a tampon).\u00a0 Remember, if she is nervous her body will tense up, which makes insertion much more difficult. \u00a0Also, keep in mind one of the most common mistakes among new users is failing to insert the tampon deep enough into the vaginal canal.<\/p>\n – TSS.\u00a0 For the sake of good hygiene and to lessen the likelihood of Toxic Shock Syndrome<\/a>, make sure you explain how important it is that she use the least absorbent tampon needed for her flow and that she change her tampons often (every 4-6 hours).\u00a0 We recommend tampons not be used for sleeping and that daytime use be alternated with pads to allow the toxins to dissipate. Please note: girls from tweens to early twenties have an increased risk of TSS – it is important to learn the facts & symptoms.<\/em><\/p>\n Race Options<\/strong><\/p>\n At some point after she decides tampons are for her, together you must choose a box (or a few boxes).\u00a0 Consider these factors:<\/p>\n – Applicator: plastic (easiest to insert), cardboard (flushable), or non-applicator (most environmentally friendly)<\/p>\n – Absorbency: lite, regular, super, super plus, or ultra (consider purchasing a few absorbencies for her changing flow or a box containing multiple absorbencies)<\/p>\n – Size: While all tampons in a given absorbency level must absorb the same amount of fluid, there is a considerable variance in size between brands and within brands between product lines<\/p>\n – Scent: we recommend unscented as scented products may cause irritation<\/p>\n – Type: traditional or organic<\/a> (100% cotton product with less risk of TSS)<\/p>\n – Other: consider other internal products, like disposable<\/a> (or even reusable<\/a>) menstrual cups<\/p>\n Practice<\/strong><\/p>\n The worst time to try a first tampon is the day of a big \u201crace.\u201d\u00a0 If your daughter wants to try tampons for swimming at summer camp or some other upcoming activity, plan to practice in advance.\u00a0 Plan ahead; allow for plenty of practice at home.\u00a0 Once she has is comfortable using tampons at home, she will have the confidence to use them anywhere and anytime she wants or needs.<\/p>\n Race Ready?<\/strong><\/p>\n For parents and daughters, there is only one wrong approach: silence.<\/p>\n If your daughter has started menstruating or will be starting soon, it is important that you talk to her about her feminine hygiene options.\u00a0 Gauge her interest in tampons (and check in on how she feels now and again if the initial interest was minimal). Whether your daughter decides she is ready for tampons today, next year, or not at all, you will both be glad she knows all about this feminine hygiene option.<\/p>\n Remember to:<\/p>\n – Provide her with relevant, factual and actionable information The Finish Line<\/strong><\/p>\n Want even more information? Be Prepared. Period. and You ARE Loved<\/a> will be co-hosting a one hour online event June 8th<\/sup>, \u201cSummer Periods \u2013 Camp, Vacations, Swimming & More \u2013 What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know.\u201d It is open to everyone.\u00a0 – Transcript<\/a> now available.<\/p>\n Co-written by Be Prepared. Period. & You ARE Loved<\/a>.<\/p>\n Learn how to have a Better Period! Pin This Post For Later<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/9.jpg” _builder_version=”4.4.1″ hover_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.1″][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" When it comes to feminine hygiene supplies, there are almost as many questions as there are products!\u00a0 Since your daughter will use approximately 10,000 pads, tampons and\/or panty liners in her lifetime, it is worth investing some time to learn more about her options. The Starting Line Some girls start menstruating at age 9 while […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":" - Friends\u2019 Recommendations\n- Leaking<\/a> Through Pads\n- Summer Outfits & Outings\n- Sports & Activities\n- Concerns About Odor\n- Swimming\/Fun Water Activities<\/a>\n- Wanting to be Like ___ (mom, older sister, etc.)<\/p>\n\n\nCoach Mom (or Dad)<\/strong>\n\nIf your daughter is expressing interest, make time to make sure you and she are both well educated about her options.\u00a0 While your daughter may be talking about this subject with friends, keep in mind that research shows<\/a> an adolescent's decision to use tampons is most influenced by her mother.\u00a0 As her coach, it is important you know the basics:\n - Age. If your daughter is menstruating, her body is physically mature enough for tampon usage.\u00a0 There is no \u201cright\u201d age to try a first tampon.\u00a0 The transition is easier for girls who are already comfortable with menstruation, having managed several periods with pads.<\/p>\n - Fear.\u00a0 If your daughter is anxious, rushed, or fearful about inserting anything into her vagina, it may be best to delay tampon usage.\u00a0 Slow down and provide her more information, and the opportunity to explore her own anatomy privately with a hand-held mirror (apart from and prior to her first attempt to insert a tampon).\u00a0 Remember, if she is nervous her body will tense up, which makes insertion much more difficult. \u00a0Also, keep in mind one of the most common mistakes among new users is failing to insert the tampon deep enough into the vaginal canal.<\/p>\n - TSS.\u00a0 For the sake of good hygiene and to lessen the likelihood of Toxic Shock Syndrome<\/a>, make sure you explain how important it is that she use the least absorbent tampon needed for her flow and that she change her tampons often (every 4-6 hours).\u00a0 We recommend tampons not be used for sleeping and that daytime use be alternated with pads to allow the toxins to dissipate. Please note: girls from tweens to early twenties have an increased risk of TSS - it is important to learn the facts & symptoms.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nRace Options<\/strong>\n\nAt some point after she decides tampons are for her, together you must choose a box (or a few boxes).\u00a0 Consider these factors:\n - Applicator: plastic (easiest to insert), cardboard (flushable), or non-applicator (most environmentally friendly)<\/p>\n - Absorbency: lite, regular, super, super plus, or ultra (consider purchasing a few absorbencies for her changing flow or a box containing multiple absorbencies)<\/p>\n - Size: While all tampons in a given absorbency level must absorb the same amount of fluid, there is a considerable variance in size between brands and within brands between product lines<\/p>\n - Scent: we recommend unscented as scented products may cause irritation<\/p>\n - Type: traditional or organic<\/a> (100% cotton product with less risk of TSS)<\/p>\n - Other: consider other internal products, like disposable<\/a> (or even reusable<\/a>) menstrual cups<\/p>\n\n\nPractice<\/strong>\n\nThe worst time to try a first tampon is the day of a big \u201crace.\u201d\u00a0 If your daughter wants to try tampons for swimming at summer camp or some other upcoming activity, plan to practice in advance.\u00a0 Plan ahead; allow for plenty of practice at home.\u00a0 Once she has is comfortable using tampons at home, she will have the confidence to use them anywhere and anytime she wants or needs.\n\nRace Ready?<\/strong>\n\nFor parents and daughters, there is only one wrong approach: silence.\n\nIf your daughter has started menstruating or will be starting soon, it is important that you talk to her about her feminine hygiene options.\u00a0 Gauge her interest in tampons (and check in on how she feels now and again if the initial interest was minimal). Whether your daughter decides she is ready for tampons today, next year, or not at all, you will both be glad she knows all about this feminine hygiene option.\n\nRemember to:\n - Provide her with relevant, factual and actionable information\n- Use supplemental resources (books<\/a>, websites, her pediatrician, etc.)\n- Be sure she knows tampons are one of several feminine hygiene choices (a product some girls use sparingly, others frequently, and yet others not at all)\n- Keep the conversation going, and ensure she knows you are available any time she has questions<\/p>\n\n\nThe Finish Line<\/strong>\n\nWant even more information? Be Prepared. Period. and You ARE Loved<\/a> will be co-hosting a one hour online event June 8th<\/sup>, \u201cSummer Periods \u2013 Camp, Vacations, Swimming & More \u2013 What Parents and Caregivers Need to Know.\u201d It is open to everyone.\u00a0 - Transcript<\/a> now available.\n\nCo-written by Be Prepared. Period. & You ARE Loved<\/a>.\n\nLearn how to have a Better Period!\n<\/strong>Check out our Info on Periods & Puberty<\/a> page for more helpful information OR stop by our new PeriodTalk<\/a> forum to get answers to the questions you\u2019ve been wondering about.\n<\/strong>","_et_gb_content_width":"","_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1,225],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-891","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-periodtalk","category-menstrual-tips"],"yoast_head":"\n
– Leaking<\/a> Through Pads
– Summer Outfits & Outings
– Sports & Activities
– Concerns About Odor
– Swimming\/Fun Water Activities<\/a>
– Wanting to be Like ___ (mom, older sister, etc.)<\/p>\n![\"Tampon\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Tampon2.jpg?resize=300%2C273&ssl=1\" "\\"Tampon\\"")
<\/a>Coach Mom (or Dad)<\/strong><\/p>\n
– Use supplemental resources (books<\/a>, websites, her pediatrician, etc.)
– Be sure she knows tampons are one of several feminine hygiene choices (a product some girls use sparingly, others frequently, and yet others not at all)
– Keep the conversation going, and ensure she knows you are available any time she has questions<\/p>\n
<\/strong>Check out our Info on Periods & Puberty<\/a> page for more helpful information OR stop by our new PeriodTalk<\/a> forum to get answers to the questions you\u2019ve been wondering about.
<\/strong><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.4.1″ custom_margin=”-3px|||||” custom_padding=”0px|||||”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_2,1_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.1″][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.4.1″][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.4.1″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.1″ custom_margin=”||1px|||”]![](\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/12\/9.jpg\")
<\/center>\n\n![\"Tampon\"](\"https:\/\/www.bepreparedperiod.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/05\/Tampon2.jpg\" "\\"Tampon\\"")
<\/a>\n\nWhen it comes to feminine hygiene supplies, there are almost as many questions as there are products!\u00a0 Since your daughter will use approximately 10,000 pads<\/a>, tampons<\/a> and\/or panty liners<\/a> in her lifetime, it is worth investing some time to learn more about her options.\n\nThe Starting Line<\/strong>\n\nSome girls start menstruating at age 9 while others don\u2019t have their first period until age 15.\u00a0 Whether your daughter starts before most of her friends, along with them, or is one of the last to get her period, the odds are good that she will start with disposable pads (or a mix of disposable pads and panty liners).\u00a0 Pads are practical, easy to use, and highly effective.\n\n\n\nHurdles <\/strong>\n\nThe interest level in trying an internal product varies widely among girls who have recently started menstruating.\u00a0 Some of the most common reasons for growing more interested include:\n