Most women don't celebrate the monthly appearance of their menstrual cycle. Much the opposite, we try to discreetly hide any hint of this very natural occurrence. Many of us grew up with the understanding that a woman's menstrual cycle was some dirty little secret and that we shouldn't bring it up as people may see us as less capable to men.
However, mothers are now working to change the story surrounding this natural part of womanhood by throwing their daughters Period Parties.
Never heard of "period parties?" It's not surprising. These parties just started getting attention in recent years thanks to social media. In fact, more and more mothers (and daughters too!) are sharing period party posts across Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Typically, these parties range from a small celebratory dinners with red-colored food items to elaborate coming-of-age bashes with uterus-related décor, a festive cake, and thematic party favors that include tampons and other feminine hygiene products. While this may sound a bit much, many experts praise the idea because it not only combats the taboo of menstruation, but it also brings families together.
Additionally, these “parties” can provide the perfect opportunity for mothers and daughters to talk more about how a woman’s body works and even sex education.
According to LOOM’s Kathryn Davis, “Body image starts to change for female bodies before the period comes, which can all be very confusing, especially if you’re not having discussions at home and at schools.”
By hosting these period parties, moms can help their daughters through this tumultuous time.
Although these parties are a fairly new occurrence here in the United States, some cultures have always provided coming of age festivities for teenage children. For example, traditional Japanese families commonly celebrate their daughter's first period by eating a sticky rice dish with red beans called Sekihan. Meanwhile, in South Africa, young girls are forced to stay inside their homes for three days during the onset of their first period to avoid exposure to men and children, then their family throws a huge party.
Thankfully we don't engage in some of the more outlandish festivities here in the United States, but then again it's nice to see some sort of positive recognition for a girl's steps towards womanhood even if it just involves some cake.
However, even if your pre-teen daughter insists that you not throw her a massive celebratory bash — you can also purchase her a First Period Kit.
Thanks to companies like Ruby Love, you can make your daughter's first visit from Aunt Flo a gift-giving affair. These not only include items like period-proof panties, pads, and hygiene wipes, but other great items like lip balm, a compact mirror, and more.
With these kits and the company's extensive line of period underwear and period-proof swimwear, Ruby Love hopes to ultimately help young girls "navigate their first period with confidence and comfort so they can do anything."
These period kits and teen period panties provide a great alternative for teenage girls who are highly active or whose busy school schedule doesn't allow for frequent trips to the restroom. Additionally, the idea of tampons turns off many teen girls, so period panties provide a safe, effective method of protection that doesn't involve thick pads.
At the end of the day, it's up to us as mothers to decide how we talk to our daughters about their menstrual cycle. Whether you opt for a blow out celebration to commemorate your daughter's first shedding of her uterine lining or just surprise her with a First Period Kit, the important thing is that you do talk with your daughter about her period.
In fact, Margaret L. Stubbs , a professor at Chatham University, says that mothers are the best resource for daughters to learn about their bodies and sex.
“We know that girls who have more positive attitudes about periods tend to do better. What we hope for girls is that they see having periods as a sign of health.”
So blow up the red balloons and wrap up those period panties, Mom. It's time to celebrate your girl's first period in style and help foster body positivity and women's health!