Most of us remember the moment we got our first period. Likely, upon spying blood in your underwear for the first time, you turned to your parents or guardians for help and advice. It can be a pretty jarring development, after all.
If your child is approaching their teens, they might be showing signs that they’re about to start their first period (also known by the medical term menarche) without you even realizing it. And it’s totally normal to feel nervous that you’re the one they’re going to turn to for the answers.
Firstly, let’s be real: You absolutely don’t need to be an oracle of all things periods. You don’t need to be a total expert in premenstrual syndrome (PMS), either. You can use an app like Flo to learn together. And because it’s always nice to feel in the know, we spoke with pediatrician Dr. Iyabo Webzell and obstetrician and gynecologist Dr. Sara Twogood about the signs you can look for that your daughter might be about to start her first period.
While the term “daughter” is used throughout this piece, as it describes a common experience, this guide will help you navigate your child’s first period, whatever their gender identity.