Kotex Encourages The Period Talk : Monthly Maintanence #KotexMom

Thanks to U by Kotex, we've been discussing the big "P" and the period talk and, more importantly, having the talk with your daughter. We've gone over several topics that are a must for the period talk and Ry and I have had some great mother-daughter talks, which is something I never had. The talk can be nerve-racking and tough, but it doesn't have to be. There are many questions which are bound to come up when talking with your daughter, so educate yourself. This week we are writing about Monthly Maintenance and how to be prepared.

It seems just like yesterday when I was sitting in my high school World History class. My teacher was at the front of the class lecturing when it happened. Yes, I had my period, which was nothing new, but this month I had a much heavier flow for some reason. I knew when it happened... my pad leaked. What a horrible feeling to be stuck at my desk and helpless. I didn't want to interrupt class and I certainly didn't walk up to the front of class with everyone looking at me, especially if I had leaked through my pants. Embarrassing! There is no other word for it and I should have been prepared. This is why it was so important for me to discuss this with Ry.

How can your daughter be prepared? During the talk with your daughter, discuss keeping track of her period and let her know that it is normal to experience irregular periods, so she may have a really heavy flow one month and a light one the next. You also need to teach her possible symptoms, such as cramps, headaches and moodiness. I have experienced them all! This is why a "period kit" comes in very handy, especially if you are in a situation like myself when I was in school.

Nothing slows my girl down!

Last month we talked about packing some products in an inconspicuous pouch for daughter's purse, locker or backpack, which is a must. You can keep track of when to expect your period by calendar, but always have a kit ready.

What should be included in the "period kit"?

• Extra pads for emergencies and for regular changing.
• Tylenol or Midol for cramps! This was a lifesaver for me because I had horrible cramps each month. PMS is real.
• Wet wipes for cleaning off
• Extra undies in case of an accident
• Extra pair of pants or shorts (She can keep these in her locker, just like gym clothes. No one will know the difference!)

Not only is it important to pack a period kit, but you should also discuss staying clean. It's very important to change your pad before it gets too full (what I did in World History), which is different for each person, but I found changing mine about every 2 hours was the way to go. Why so often? If you don't you put yourself at risk for odor and infection. Believe me, you do not want to have your period and an infection. Talk about uncomfortable!

Ry is such a happy girl and full of life. I never want this to change! In a house of all boys, she has her hands full and is a very curious girl. This is why it is so important to educate her about her period, what to expect and how to take care of herself. If your tween or teen has more questions, direct her to the Hello Period website. There are answers to questions, stories from other girls and much, much more. Unsure how to begin the big talk with your daughter? You can take a look at the U by Kotex tween site.

I wrote this review while participating in a Brand Ambassador Campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of U by Kotex Tween and received products to facilitate my post and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.