How to create a DIY Period Power Kit
By: Konika Ray Wong, M.Ed. Founder of Girl Power Science
Choose a fun pouch for your DIY kit.
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.
As my daughter's science teacher from kindergarten through fourth grade, I had a unique opportunity to address this topic. When covering menstruation with her third-grade class, my daughter, who already knew about periods, had an important realization: periods are always a surprise. She was amazed to learn that even after years of experience, I still couldn't predict the exact timing. While we might know approximately which day it will start, the exact moment remains unpredictable.
School backpacks are the most important location for a DIY period power kit!
This conversation inspired us to create period kits for her backpack, school cubby, and the car. She loved the idea, and assembling the kits together sparked many great questions. Here's our step-by-step guide to creating a personalized DIY period kit:
Step 1: Pick a Pouch
Choose something fun and practical. At our workshops, the unicorn pouch is usually everyone's favorite, though the snail and outer space designs are also popular. Just as kids with orthodontics bring tooth-brushing kits to the bathroom after lunch, a period kit should be easy to carry between class and the bathroom. Look around your house – a cute pencil case, small cosmetics bag, travel toiletry bag, or even those zipper pouches from the dentist work perfectly.
Step 2: Add Pads
Start with pads designed for tweens and teens, which are smaller and thinner. I prefer organic cotton pads, and the ones with colorful packaging often create a more appealing kit for young girls.
Step 3: Extra Clothing
Include a spare pair of underwear and shorts or leggings. Since leaks happen to everyone, teach your daughter the handy trick of tying a jacket or sweatshirt around her waist if needed.
Step 4: Fun Final Touches
In San Francisco, we're familiar with earthquake preparedness kits, which often include comfort foods to lift spirits during stressful times. Apply this same principle to your period kit! Consider adding chocolate, candy, or a small snack. Wet wipes can be helpful, and a surprise note from you adds a personal touch.
Remember to keep the kit size manageable. A backpack kit can be simple with just a couple of pads, while a locker or cubby kit might include extra clothing. Save the car kit for additional items like snacks. Having these prepared kits can help make your daughter's first period experience more positive and less stressful.
Our kids book, “One in a Million - A First Book About Periods” By: Konika Ray Wong, M.Ed is the perfect way introduce your daughter to the concept of menstruation through an empowering and interactive approach.
Bay Area families: Join us Sunday, January 26th at our "Go with the Flow" girl and grown-up event for a really special hands-on science workshop to get ready for this important milestone.
