Hi Lily,
Don't worry about being awkward! Your mum knows that you'll want to try and find a method to manage your periods that suit you. She'll probably be more pleased that you've asked her first, rather than just going for it!
I know you probably know this already, but a few tips on using tampons for the first time: use a plastic applicator! Like all insertable methods, it can take a few goes to get it right, and having a plastic applicator is the easiest mothed of inserting a tampon. Also, make sure that your tampon is positioned correctly - you'll be able to tell, as it won't be comfortable at all! Don't be afraid to take that out and try again with a fresh tampon. When it comes to taking it out, the key is to relax; deep breathing and spreading your legs wide will help, even elevating one leg on the side of the bath or toilet. It won't look terribly elegant, but whatever works, right?
A few companies do tampons that are designed with new users in mind, so you might like to check those out too!