How to create a DIY Period Power Kit
By: Konika Ray Wong, M.Ed. Founder of Girl Power Science
Whether it's your daughter's first period or not, being prepared is a game changer. In the US, the average age of menarche is 12, although girls can start their period anytime between the ages of 8 and 15. To empower girls to feel confident about this big change, it’s important to start talking about periods early.
My daughter had an epiphany the other day. In 3rd grade science class, she learned that when she starts having her period it will probably be irregular at first, but her big realization was that periods are always a bit of a surprise. She asked me if my period still catches me by surprise after all these years and she couldn’t believe that it does. I told her that she might know what day it will start but not the exact time.
We decided to make period kits for her backpack, school cubby, and the car so she can be prepared for the big surprise. She loved this idea! We assembled the kits together and it sparked so many great questions. This month's blog is a step by step guide to creating a personalized DIY period kit.
Step 1: Pick a Pouch
Kids with orthodontics are well-versed with bringing their tooth brushing kits to the bathroom after lunch at school. Similarly, a pouch for a period kit should be something easy to take back and forth from class to the bathroom. You probably already have something perfect around your house like a cute pencil case, a small cosmetics bag, a toiletry bag for traveling, or those zipper pouches you get from the dentist with free stuff.
Step 2: Add Pads
Pads designed for tweens and teens are the perfect size because they are smaller and thinner. I like to purchase pads made with organic cotton although the pads with colorful packaging that create a fun kit, are usually not the organic ones. Be sure to tell your daughter how she can make her own pad out of rolled up toilet paper if she ever needs to. I also like to share stories about how it’s really common for women to help each other out by offering strangers pads or tampons if they need them.
Step 3: Extra Clothing
An extra pair of undies and some shorts or leggings can come in handy. Since everyone experiences leakage at some point and we don’t always have extra clothes, it’s always great to tell your daughter about the easy trick of tying a jacket or sweatshirt around your waist if fluid leaks through her clothing.
Step 4: Fun Final Touches
In San Francisco, we are all very familiar with creating earthquake kits. They say it’s a good idea to include a favorite snack to lift your spirits at a time that can be stressful. Along the same lines, get creative with a DIY period kit! You might want to include some chocolate or candy and a little snack. A small packet of wet wipes can be helpful. Finally, you could tuck a surprise note from you for your daughter to discover.
You don’t want your kit to get too big and bulky though. A backpack kit could be simple with just a couple of pads. A locker or cubby might also include the extra clothing. The car kit is the perfect place for all the added extras like snacks. Being prepared with a DIY period kit can go a long way in making your daughter’s first period experience a positive one.
