Many parents feel awkward talking about periods, especially with pre-teen girls who can seem to get embarrassed so easily.

One way round this is to respond to questions or opportunities as they arise. David Kesterton, who organises the FPA’s Speakeasy courses – which teach parents how to talk to their children about puberty, sex and relationships – says clear speaking and down-to-earth, age-appropriate language is key.

Best Age to Talk about Periods

“Parents often ask me when is the right age to talk to girls about starting periods, and I recommend that it should be an ongoing process rather than a formal sit-down talk. You can use TV ads for tampons, or buying sanitary towels at the supermarket, for example, to start the conversation with girls about periods. Or simply ask your daughter what she already knows and go from there.

“Whenever possible use clear language, like vagina, even though you may feel uncomfortable using these words.

“Emphasise that periods are completely normal and natural, they’re part of growing up and that all women have them.

“And don’t forget boys. They, too, need to learn about periods. Talk to them in the same way as girls about the practicalities, mood changes that can come with periods, and the biological reason behind periods, and it will keep them informed as well as help them to understand what girls go through each month.”

The Questions Girls Ask about Periods

Here are some of the questions you, as a parent, might get asked by girls about periods with suggestions on how to answer them:

How will I know when my periods are soon going to start?

Signs that your period is on its way are if you’ve grown underarm and pubic hair. Typically, you’ll start your periods about two years after your breasts start growing and about a year after getting a white, vaginal discharge. The average girl will get her first period around 12 years old, but it varies from person to person.

How do I get ready for my first period?

Talk to your mum or another adult you trust about what you can expect before it actually happens. It’s a good idea to start carrying sanitary pads or tampons around with you in advance so that when your period finally arrives you aren’t scrambling to find some. If you find yourself at school without a pad or tampon, talk to a female teacher or the school nurse. They’re used to being asked and they’ll want to help you out.

How long will my first period last?

When your first period arrives it might not last very long as it can take your body some months to get into a regular pattern. As a general rule, once they’re settled, you’ll have a period every 28 to 30 days and it will last between three and seven days.

How much blood will I lose?

It might seem a lot, but it’s only about 3-5 tablespoons. It’s not a sudden gush, you’ll just see a reddish-brown stain on your pants or on your sheets when you wake up in the morning.

What if period blood leaks through my clothes?

Part of becoming a woman is dealing with embarrassing mishaps. There are ways of covering up stains until you’re able to change your clothes, such as tying a sweatshirt around your waist. Keep a spare pair of pants (panties*) and tights at school or in your bag, and avoid wearing light-coloured trousers and skirts during a period, just in case.

Should I use pads or tampons?

This is really up to you. Both tampons and towels/pads are safe and suitable for girls who have just started their periods. You’ll probably want to use pads for your very first period, though, as tampons can take a bit more getting used to. It might be worth experimenting until you find the product that suits you best.

Can a tampon get lost inside me?

No, it can’t. When you insert a tampon, it stays in your vagina. All tampons come with a string at one end that stays outside your body. You can remove the tampon at any time using this string.

Read the full answer to: ‘Can a tampon get lost inside me?’

What if I forget to remove my tampon?

If you forget to remove your tampon, it can turn sideways or become compressed at the top of your vagina. This can make it difficult or impossible for you to pull it out. If you think that you’ve left a tampon in and you can’t get it out, go to your GP (family doctor*). They can remove it for you.

Read the full answer to: ‘What if I forget to remove my tampon?’.

Read more articles on the menstrual cycle.

Editor’s Note: * clarification provided for our U.S. audience

Most children will, at some time, have short-term medical needs. For example, they may need to take a course of antibiotics or other medicine.

But some have a long-term or even lifelong illness and need medicines for the foreseeable future.

Children with medical needs have the same rights of admission to schools as other children. Most attend school regularly and take part in normal activities, sometimes with support. However, staff may need to take measures to ensure that these children, and others, aren’t put at risk.

Not all long-term health conditions can be managed in mainstream schools. Some will require your child to attend a school that is specially equipped.

Common Long-term Health Conditions in Schoolchildren

Common long-term conditions that mainstream schools can manage include diabetes, asthma, epilepsy and allergy.

If your child has a long-term health condition, your school may draw up an individual healthcare plan to help staff identify any necessary safety measures. This will help to protect your child and ensure that others aren’t put at risk.

How to Talk to the School About Your Child’s Health Condition

If your child has recently been diagnosed with a long-term condition, or you have a child with a long-term condition who is about to start school, contact your child’s school to discuss how it will be managed.

Talk to your child’s GP (pediatrician*) or hospital specialist about the information you’ll need to give the school. They can also give you advice on the arrangements that the school may have to make, such as keeping medicines on site or helping to administer medicines. The information you give the school should include:

• Details of medicines your child needs to take and when they’re needed
• Any side effects of the medicines
• What constitutes an emergency
• What to do, and not to do, in an emergency
• Special requirements, such as dietary needs, and measures that must be taken before your child is physically active
• Whether your child will need to be absent from school regularly to meet medical appointments.

Discuss with your GP (pediatrician*) or consultant (specialist*) how your child’s condition should be managed during the school day. For example, it may be possible to prescribe medicine for your child that can be taken before and after school, instead of in the middle of the day. If your child’s condition can be managed effectively with minimal involvement from the school, this is likely to be easier for you and the school.

What to Expect from the School

Your child’s school should have policies setting out how it manages medicines and long-term medical conditions.

This policy will cover the following:

• How medicines will be managed and administered during the school day. Any member of staff administering medicines should be fully trained.
• How medicines will be managed and administered during school outings.
• Who the school will contact if there’s an emergency.
• How the school will meet special needs, such as diet.
• How the school will help your child to participate in physical activity and school trips, if needed.
• The school should be able to agree with you on how it will manage your child’s condition during the school day.

The school staff do not have a legal duty to administer medicines. But if staff do so, the school must ensure that they’re trained appropriately.

Editor’s Note: * clarification provided for our U.S. audience