On the day we were set to discover the gender of our twins, my excitement was palpable, as was my partner’s. As the ultrasound wand moved across my partner’s belly, the anticipation grew. The doctor announced, “Baby A is… a girl.” He added more gel and continued his search for Baby B. “Ah, there… Baby B is also a girl.”
With that, my partner exclaimed, “AH… two girls!” A huge smile spread across my face. Two daughters: I was thrilled.
As we stepped into the elevator, clutching our black-and-white sonogram images, my partner remarked, “Two girls means two periods at the same time.” The realization hit me hard. We were months away from their arrival, and the anxiety was already creeping in. How would we handle two girls experiencing menstruation simultaneously?
My partner recalls her own period talk as a daunting experience, while I barely remember mine as I transitioned into puberty. Puberty for girls can start as early as age 8, when hormones begin to surge, leading to various physical changes. It’s an uncomfortable topic to navigate.
Now that our twin daughters are approaching six, the thought of their future puberty is daunting. Thankfully, I’ve come across the concept of a period box, which has eased my worries.
What is a Period Box?
A period box is a fantastic tool highlighted by writer and blogger Emily Davis. Her blog suggests preparing a box for your daughter around age nine, although discussions about puberty can start well before that. Creating a personalized period box not only helps initiate conversations about the changes they’ll experience but also provides comfort and resources.
Emily explains that assembling a ‘first-period box’ helps girls feel prepared and less anxious about their impending menarche. This box can spark discussions about various sanitary products available, empowering them to make informed choices. You can choose any box, but eco-friendly options are available at The Period Store, which also offers suggestions on what to include.
When it came time for our son’s puberty talk, we were caught off guard. He came home one day and said, “My teacher said we all need to buy deodorant over the weekend.” Before we knew it, we were in the deodorant aisle, realizing it was time for that important discussion.
We relied heavily on books for our son; one notable title was “It’s So Amazing: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies, and Families,” which we found helpful. While books can facilitate these essential conversations, they don’t replace direct dialogue. We allowed our son to steer the conversation, addressing whatever questions he had. It became clear that discussing topics like hormones or girls’ bodies ourselves might embarrass him, so we encouraged him to approach us whenever he was ready.
As I prepare for this new chapter with my daughters, I’m looking forward to creating their period boxes. Mine will contain many of the items suggested on Emily’s blog, including sanitary pads, menstrual cups, tampons, pain relief options, herbal tea, and some chocolate. I’ll also include a note inviting them to speak to me or their other parent anytime about anything on their minds.
Think of their period box as a personalized gift, filled not just with essentials but also words of comfort and wisdom. This way, they learn from us rather than peers, preventing the risk of misinformation.
This article was initially published on April 11, 2021.
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Summary
Period boxes are an innovative and comforting way to navigate the often daunting conversation about puberty with your daughters. These personalized kits can empower them with knowledge and resources, easing the transition into this new phase of life. By including essential products and encouraging open dialogue, parents can ensure their children feel supported and informed during this critical time.