https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 18 Apr 2026 16:10:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988998 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:29:34 +0000 Snowdrop 1988998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ra: For me it is about a ten year old forgetting they have a tampon in or not washing hands properly etc. I wouldn't want them missing out on things because of their period though so I'd probably end up giving them for swimming, constantly reminding them to change etc. Think I'd be better with a mooncup etc but they would probably struggle to use that so young. Seems strange to me as most of my friends and I were teenagers when we got our periods! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988992 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 18:24:00 +0000 littlejoy 1988992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: Thank you for explaining that in such a perfect way!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988920 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:15:13 +0000 mrsrain 1988920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I knew it was a period, that it was caused by an egg being released and not fertilized. Didn't know too much else. I did NOT realize that it was a once-a-month(ish) thing! I thought once I got my period I would bleed all the time. Kind of relieved when I realized that wasn't true!</p> <p>My mom took me out for a "women only" dinner to celebrate my womanhood, and I remember finding the whole thing absolutely mortifying.</p> <p>I don't think I used tampons until 8th grade (I was about 10 when I got my period), because I just wasn't ready. My mom didn't even offer it as an option to me at that point. I was probably 12 or 13 when I started using tampons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988910 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 17:05:33 +0000 HabesBabe 1988910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sarac: I felt the same way the first time I tried using a tampon (it during my first period, though). </p> <p>@Ra: I'm one of those who isn't 100% comfortable with offering tampons to C straightaway, and it has nothing to do with tampons = sex. Like @Mrs. Lemon-Lime: said, there is a level of maturity needed to properly use tampons (I couldn't put my finger on it, so thank you for saying this!) that most pre-teens don't possess. Like I said earlier, I'm not sure how I would feel/react to this 10 years from now, so of course, C might prove to be more mature at that age than I expected, or maybe there will be some magical contraction that eliminates pads and tampons all together. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988789 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:34:45 +0000 sarac 1988789@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know that I tried using a tampon when I got my first period at 11, and I was like, woah, no way! It just wasn't even possible. I didn't try again for several years, and I think this is a fairly common experience. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988782 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 15:31:07 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1988782@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ra: oh, no I am not under any guise that a tampon means a child is sexually active or someone how readies them for sex. I remember being in school all day and not wanting to use the school bathroom, which meant I didn't change my pad all day either. Using the same tampon for that amount of time is not safe. There is a level of maturity and responsibility that comes along with using a tampon that surely I didn't posses at 10. I would like my daughter to get the hang of her cycle before graduating to the next level of feminine hygiene. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988714 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:44:58 +0000 littlejoy 1988714@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Ra: Well, personally, I, too, had TSS, and I got it without misusing the tampon. So, that's one issue. </p> <p>I don't think it's sexual at all. Maybe some people do?</p> <p>Unless you're using a tampon made of organic materials, you're exposing the vaginal walls to a lot of chemicals. I've had some major (avoidable) health issues in my life related to toxins, and if I can help my daughter avoid that, I will. </p> <p>Like some previous posters, I would be open to the idea of a Diva Cup or something like that.</p> <p>ETA: I do still use tampons, and they're just normal ones. I've wanted to try a menstrual cup, but haven't. So, until I'm in that place to give my DD guidance, I'm not sure what I'll do. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988707 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:39:26 +0000 alohaorchid 1988707@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I can't imagine not having the option of using a tampon! I don't think I've bought pads since I was 14, and that's when I got my first period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988694 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:27:07 +0000 Ra 1988694@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm confused as to why people are anti-tampon for their LOs (with the exception to the predisposition to TSS). It's not like it's sexual. They don't hurt if inserted properly. I'm failing to understand the hesitation behind it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988676 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 14:18:08 +0000 Vegmama 1988676@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <br /><p><i>This comment has been deleted by the original poster.</i></p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988554 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:23:52 +0000 sarac 1988554@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sex ed is a whole life, ongoing thing in my house. My 3 year old is already quite familiar with the fact that I bleed every month (ARE YOU BLEEDING AGAIN MAMA? In the restroom at Ikea, oy). So that isn't any kind of mystery to her - she knows that she'll start bleeding when she's a much bigger girl. </p> <p>She's also asked how the baby got inside my tummy, and I told her that I had an egg inside my belly, and that daddy had a seed, and that he put the seed inside of me, and so on. When she asked how, I told her that we'd had sex, and left it at that. I've got an entire other answer prepared for that (sex is a fun thing for adults to do, etc), but she changed to subject to Curious George, and I was spared. </p> <p>It feels so weird to talk about this stuff with my daughter, but it feels far less weird than perpetuating some lie or half truth about the way that her body works. I have to remind myself that the discomfort is all external. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988512 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:03:42 +0000 Mamasig 1988512@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Snowdrop: I went to catholic school all my life and learned more about sex ed there then from my mom. Everything was factual in terms of what happens to our bodies. I vividly remember a presentation about STDs in high school in the chapel! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988495 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:54:06 +0000 meredithNYC 1988495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Snowdrop: Yep - I went to Catholic school, too, and we had really comprehensive sex-ed. I honestly think it can vary quite a bit from school to school, so I guess I was lucky.</p> <p>I didn't start my period until I was 13, so pretty much all my friends had theirs already by then. So I knew about it from school, friends and my mom. She was a pretty open book and though she didn't always approach me to "talk" she always answered my questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988455 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:34:09 +0000 HabesBabe 1988455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@avivoca: Oh wow, that's so scary to have a sensitivity to TSS! I don't know how I'd feel about offering the DivaCup or something similar to a pre-teen-- not sure why, but I'm not comfortable with it. I know it's a great option for some of my friends. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988445 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:29:22 +0000 HabesBabe 1988445@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: oh gaahhhhhhh cardboard. Just the memory of that feeling makes me shudder. Thankfully there are plastic applicators! I remember using OB in high school and HATING it because you would have to get all up in there with your hands. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988402 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 12:02:13 +0000 avivoca 1988402@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: I'd like to explore more internal options other than tampons too, like using a menstrual cup (which may not be a good idea at school, but might be better for swimming). I just flat was not allowed to use tampons (also, my mom wouldn't let me get the ultra-thin pads either because she thought they wouldn't work as well). Even now, I'll use them occasionally, but I tend to prefer pads or cloth pads. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988393 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:56:15 +0000 Anagram 1988393@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: haha! I remember having a loooot of trouble the first few times (and it was also to go swimming!). I remember having to use a mirror because I didn't really know where to put it! haha. omg. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988390 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:55:19 +0000 .twist. 1988390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: cardboard. lol! I was 10, I don't remember the brand. </p> <p>@avivoca: I understand if you're sensitive. That makes sense then. But as a rule? I dunno.... if the option to make life easier during that time is available.... I say let it be an option! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988387 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:53:28 +0000 avivoca 1988387@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: @.twist.: I got my period at 13 and was not allowed to wear tampons unless I was swimming. I'm actually grateful for it, because I'm really sensitive to TSS and if I wear them for any length of time, I start showing skin symptoms for it.</p> <p>For H, I want to be open and honest about it. For a long time, I thought I was broken because sex ed doesn't talk about how every cycle is different, they just tell you about the standard 28-day cycle. I don't want her to be scared, and I want to tell her about all her options (pads, tampons, cups, etc.) I'll probably discourage her from using tampons regularly because I'm so sensitive to them, but she will have the option and I hope she knows she can come to me with any questions. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988383 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:50:41 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1988383@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: what kind did you use at that 10? I started out in college using OB and then switched to Tampax Pearl. My first try at 12 or 13 though was with a long tampon and paper applicator, I shudder at how painful that was. </p> <p>@Snowdrop: yes tampons are less messy, more discreet. Just better overall! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988379 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:49:24 +0000 Anagram 1988379@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My mom bought be tons of little books and pamphlets and left them all on my bed when I was in 5th grade, haha. They were super informative though. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988376 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:47:14 +0000 HabesBabe 1988376@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@.twist.: i'm actually not sure how i would handle that situation at this point. i would probably offer her the option of using tampons if she didn't want to miss out on a pool party, but i think i would still have her start off with pads the first time she has her period. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988369 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:40:03 +0000 .twist. 1988369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HabesBabe: What if she had a pool party to go to? She has to miss out because she's not allowed to use tampons? </p> <p>I got mine quite young (grade 5) so I was 10. Pool birthday parties were a big thing. I wouldn't have been able to go to a lot of them if my mom hadn't told me about tampons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988361 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:36:55 +0000 HabesBabe 1988361@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Snowdrop: I agree! I don't think I would want my daughter to use tampons until at least junior high... I used pads almost through high school (I didn't do any sports, really-- just colorguard/marching band), but when I did switch, it was like night and day. Maybe if C participates in any activities that would make wearing a pad difficult, I would think about buying her tampons/showing her how to use them earlier. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988270 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 11:00:32 +0000 Lilbear 1988270@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was 13, so I had a few years of sex ed already, and several of my friends had already gotten theirs, so no surprises there. The first time I got it, we were busy moving (like the movers were literally unloading the truck in our new house) and my mom was too much of a busy stress basket, so I didn't tell her for about 8-10 months. I had 2 older sisters so I was able to use the communal pads in the bathroom without anybody noticing. I hope my daughter feels like she is able to talk to me about those types of things, because it stinks not having that kind of relationship with your mom. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988174 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:26:15 +0000 Snowdrop 1988174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: that is a tricky situation! Tampons are so much nicer than pads but 10 seems so young! I was nearly 14 when I started. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988172 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:25:38 +0000 Mae 1988172@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'd had plenty of sex education, starting in 4th grade. But I was still confused when I started because it wasn't what I was expecting. I told my mom I wasn't sure what was going on and she told me that was my period and said congratulations. And I said I didn't really get that because periods seemed like a pain in the ass (I probably didn't say ass) and she said she didn't get it either but that's what you're supposed to say. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988168 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:23:56 +0000 Snowdrop 1988168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My experience was similar to @Arden: but we had had a couple of period/sex ed talks in school already too. I used to swim twice a week so my mum got me tampons pretty early on. I taught myself the real stuff about fertility whilst ttc but tbf we had had quite a bit already at school about the different phases of the cycle and even pretty detailed stuff about actual conception etc.<br /> what annoys me is that I am catholic and went to a catholic school and got amazing sex ed but people insist on saying that catholics don't 'do' sex ed. I'm sure some don't but it isn't always the case! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988130 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:10:41 +0000 anonysquire 1988130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't have much sex ed before my period started. Obviously I knew what it was but that's all. And I didn't tell my mom when I started. She probably didn't find out for 2 years after. I babysat a ton and bought my own pads. </p> <p>I'd like my daughter and any future daughters to feel like they are able to come to me when they start. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/sex-education-first-periods#post-1988104 Wed, 17 Dec 2014 10:03:48 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 1988104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I knew what was happening to me at 10 because my elementary school had sex education. I don't distinctly remember a convo with my mom about cycles; she was out of town when it happened anyway. Between my dad pointing me to my mom's pads in the linen closet to use and my bff sharing in my excitement my first period was cool. </p> <p>I also read Judy Blume's Are you there God, it's me Margaret. Her best friend that lied about having her period and kissing boys was just like a girl I knew IRL. Anyway, I didn't wear tampons til college because the one time I tried it when I was younger (bff had them) it hurt and my mom didn't use them/ buy them and my elementary school didn't teach us tampon use either. For my own daughter I will definitely give her the option, probably not right at 10.</p> <p>Beyond that, I learned about fertility when I was ready to TTC. </p>