Puberty Questions Your Daughter Might Ask

Puberty is an inquisitive time for young girls. We’ve prepared some frequently asked questions for parents – to help you, help them. 

 

How often do I need to change my pad?

Your period is heavier on the first couple of days, so at school on those days, you may need to change at recess and lunchtime. We usually recommend changing every 3-4 hours during the day. At night, we suggest using a goodnights pad, just before bed.

What do I do with the used pad?

Never, ever try to flush pads down the toilet – they will block it. Most Libra pads have Roll. Press. Go. wrappers. Using the wrapper from your fresh pad, roll up your used pad, pressing the edges to seal. These wrappers are opaque, moisture and odour proof, so if you’re at a friend’s house or out and about, you can always pop it in your bag until it’s convenient to slip into a bin.

 

What if I have a leak?

This is not uncommon and most of us have a story!

1. If you have a jumper or jacket, tie it around your waist and head straight to the bathroom.
2. Ask another girl for help, for a pad, a jumper or a ‘Can you please check the back of my dress?’ – girls will always help each other out in this situation.
3. Use the hand soap and cold water to try and wash out the stain – use a paper towel to ‘sponge’ if necessary. When it’s as good as it’ll get, try and get the item under a hand dryer. It won’t be perfect, but it should be enough to get through the day.

Our top tip: Check out Lost Property for a spare dress or jumper to tie around the waist. The school nurse is another great resource.

 

Do people know I have my period?

No, not unless you tell them.

 

What do I do if I don’t have a pad?

You can always count on other women and girls for help. Ask friends if anyone has a spare pad – they’ll do their best to help! It can happen to any of us! The school nurse will also have a supply for the many girls who are caught short – or ask a female teacher. We also suggest putting together a schoolbag period kit. A few liners and pads in a small pencil case, ‘just in case’.

 

Where does a tampon go?

This is perhaps the most frequently asked question. At puberty, many girls are still completely oblivious to the fact they have three ‘holes’ down there – one for wee, one for poo and then their vagina.

We’ve prepared a handy guide on ‘how to use a tampon’.  Remember the tampon is inserted by the index finger, pushing the tampon up into the vagina, towards the tailbone to the full length of the finger. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort.

 

Can I go swimming on my period?

Absolutely yes, but only if you’re wearing a tampon. It usually takes girls a few periods to come around to the idea of tampons. Our applicator tampons are a great place to start as they help guide the tampon into the right place.

We also suggest directing your daughter to the Libra Girl section of our website. It’s specifically designed for young girls entering puberty. Here she’ll find a bunch of useful information and can ask our expert ‘Gemmah’ things she might be too embarrassed to ask her parents.

If we still haven’t answered your question, feel free to contact us directly.