I’m pleased to introduce Alexis Saint as a Guest Writer on The Girl Revolution. Alexis is a personal friend of mine. She holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance and is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Intern. She is also the mother of five-year-old Sarah, one of our beautiful Poster Girls in the rotating header.
By Alexis Saint
The four of us were crowded into a public restroom at a high traffic big box store and I was wrangling my three small children, all under 36 inches, up to reach the sink. Attending to the business at hand which was getting all 40 fingers washed when my oldest son, four at the time, asked if he could have some candy while pointing to the feminine products vending machine.
Having already decided to handle questions pertaining to sexuality in a very matter-of-fact way, I answered that the machine did not have candy in it. It had pads, kind of like small diapers, to catch the no-longer-needed lining of a women’s uterus if there was not a fertilized egg inside of it already.
He seemed satisfied with my answer, but just then a woman came out of one of the stalls with a very embarrassed look on her face, glared at me and made straight for the door, without washing her hands, I might add. I wondered if starting her period as an adolescent had been somehow bound up with shame, secrecy and fear.
In that moment I decided that my daughter’s period would be a source of honor and celebrated as a benchmark on her path to womanhood.
Although she was only 11 months old at the time, I started a collection of items that I thought would be appropriate for the occasion. So, in my quest to honor her as a maiden, as a contributing member of the earth’s life force, and as my prepared, informed and confident daughter, I began collecting things in a wooden lock box decorated with pixies. The box is big enough to encompass the following…
A dream journal…a collection of multi-cultural stories about how menarche is celebrated around the world…letters written to my daughter from my trusted and loving sisters about their feelings/experiences of femininity, menstruation, and growing up…these are to give her sense of the community with all women.
A lunar calendar...to illustrate the harmonious cycle of the earth and the women on it.
Bath salts…tea bags…a candle…a mirror…for alone time to reflect and relax.
A well-written book on female sexuality…for practical education.
A new package of dark colored undies (period panties)…pads and tampons…for self care on the big day.
And finally an OTC pain reliever for cramps..lets be real, cramps and PMS happen.
My hope is that my daughter will grow to revere and embrace her full inheritance as a woman.
In celebration of this special moment in a girl’s life, Marianne Impal, of Red Goddess at www.redgoddess.org has offered to give one Red Goddess Box to a reader of The Girl Revolution.
This Red Goddess Box, which retails for $49.99, includes:
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A Solid Wood Fabricated Keepsake Box
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Lavender Bath Salts
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Celebration Tea
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Comfort Herbal Pillow
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Energy Leg and Foot Rub
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Active Leg and Foot Spritz
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Calming Body Myst
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Pad Purse
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Purse Pats Cleansing Towelettes
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Moon Calendar with stickers
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Positive Picks Inspirational Cards
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Stationery
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Gift Giver’s guide to walk you through what can sometimes be an awkward time in a young girl’s life
LEAVE A COMMENT about how you’ll handle your daughter’s period or a story about how your parents handled it for you and you’re entered to win.
This post is entered in Bloggy Giveaways. This contest will run for 7 days, and shipping to the United States and Canada are accepted. Enter for a chance to win another popular Fit Girl shirt on Blog Fabulous.
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158 comments ↓
This is really awesome! My daughter is only nine and even though girls start puberty earlier now, she’s very petite and I can’t see it happening anytime soon. But it’s nice to be prepared! Thanks for offering this great giveaway!
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My daughter is only 5, so I’m hoping that I have a bit of time. How will I handle it? A bit better than my mom. I just got the “stuff is in the bathroom cabinet” talk. It would have been great to get kind of a celebratory welcome to the next several decades of my life.
Thanks!
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i have a feeling my daughter is on the verge of starting and so we’ve read books and discussed it at length (which she loves to do!). i remember starting at school in 6th grade, going home and telling my mom. i was handed a pad and that was the extent of our “talk”. granted i had already learned about it in school, but my mom never discussed it with me. i like this idea of making it a real rite of passage and a “grown up” special thing!
I love this idea. I’m going to adopt it! I’m sure while filling the box, I’ll also be preparing myself for when my daughter (now 5) begins her period. I’m not sure how I’ll handle it. I do hope and expect I’ll handle it better than my mother did. (”Keep this stuff under your bed.” Not even in the bathroom cabinet!) I hope my daughter comes away from the experience feeling included in a special group, celebrated, safe, and loved.
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well back when I had mine it was like here they are- and deal with it..no talking. I have talked with all of them and preparing them for it, and more to come. I do not want them to be afraid to talk to me
My parents asked my older sister to teach me what to when my period came. So that was good for me. I’m glad I have an older sister.
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My daughter is almost nine, and I bought her the Judy Blume book “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” I think it does a good job of introducing the subject, and was how I knew what was going on when I started at age 11. My mom hadn’t talked to me about it at all yet, so I am glad I knew! I want my daughter to read the book and ask me about it. We have already had one big sex talk, so it isn’t coming out of the blue. I have tried to create a welcoming atmosphere to questions, and hope it continues as long as possible.
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What a great Idea I have been wanting something like this my DD is 10 and I started at 10 almost 11 so I know its coming. My mom never talked to me about it she handed me a boom. When I started and called her into the bathroom she said well looks like you got your friend handled me a pad and left. I felt so alone I dont want my daughter to ever feel that. We have talked a bit but being prepared is priceless
My mom let me stay home from school and sent me a bouquet of pink rosebuds. It was sweet.
We’ve already had ‘the talk’ because it was covered in our homeschool science curriculum this year. My daughter is going to be 9 in April, and she’s very tall for her age, so I’m wondering if she’ll be starting before my age 12.
I plan on just handling it as just another thing we must deal with in life. I’ll probably be getting her some shorts to wear under her nightgowns because that helps ME at night… LOL
Since we’re already talking about it I hope it’s not sooo bad for her when it starts.
This is such a wonderful idea. I’ve two daughters (13 and 11) so the Big Day can’t be far off in our house: I’ll need to think of some celebration.
I wonder if there’s an equivalent to Red Goddess here in the UK? I must do some research. (Don’t enter me for the contest – wrong side of the Atlantic).
As for my own experience, the main thing I remember is that three of my friends and I all started our periods in the same holiday week: we must have been very close. I gather that women who live in close quarters synchronise …
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This is such a great idea! I have just started the “talk” with my youngest daughter of which seems to be close to starting. She’s not thrilled at all. I think this box would be a great present to present her with
This is so sweet! My daughter is only going on four, but I don’t see any shame in it, so she is already familiar with the fact that women do get periods(as I use the bathroom in front of her), though I’ve not explained in detail as of yet. I hope that she won’t find shame in it either.
My mother prepared me well and I was not afraid when I did get my period, but she had passed away when I was ten, so it was embarrassing telling my dad.
My girls already know how babies are born, I just have to explain the how the baby got there part when they get just a little bit older.
I didn’t tell my mom when mine started because I didn’t think it was a big deal.
What a great idea!
I remember being somewhat ashamed when I started my period (a result of what I’d heard in school, maybe?) and shyly went out to the living room to tell my mom.
She cried, and hugged me, and put on loud and happy music and we DANCED!
I never felt ashamed about my period again.
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I did this for my daughter in 1990! Her dad took her to lunch. should have marketed it
My niece needs this soon!
Its a long way off for my daughter but I hope to handle it with humor and grace. I dont ever want her to be ashamed or afraid to ask questions. My mom didnt really prepare me at all, she was too busy working, so I learned about it in school…it wont be like that for my daughter, she will have the support & love she needs at home.
my mother never talked to or informed me about what was about to occur when I got my first period. I was scared and thought I was sick. It took some thoughtful gorlfriends to educate me about what to use and how to deal with it. Not the greatest way to start.
I have a teenage daughter (16) who has already entered “womanhood”. If I win, I’ll give the prize to my 10 year old niece (well, actually her mom to give to her). I think it’s a special bond that a mom and daughter have with each other when they talk about the changes a person goes through while growing up.
What a fabulous idea!! My mother never talked to me about it. My mother worked in a library so I came home one day to find some books on the kitchen table about it after mine started. Erg. I don’t think I even looked at them. My first period was horribly embarrassing (I was at Six Flags w/a friend and didn’t know what to do). I think my dad tried to talk to me about it a little and gave me some pads. I pretty much dealt with it on my own.
My daughter is 11 years old and starting to “bud” and I absolutely will be there for her! We have already had discussions about it over the past few years. I also bought her a book about girls and we have read some of it together. I plan to pull it out again and start reading some more with her. I know now is the time for me to really start preparing her for it because of the obvious signs of puberty and the fact that both my sister and I started at the age of 11…so it could come any time now…and I want her to be prepared.
Thank you!
ljatwood at gmail dot com
I’ve already talked to my daughter about periods (she’s only
and she’s fascinated to watch me when it’s my time of the month. I’ve always been open and honest with her about everything. This is a great prize!
twodogsrunningsouth@yahoo.com
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What a special gift idea. I have an 11 year old daughter and so time is coming. We have discussions about it all the time. It’s nothing to be ashamed of in this house thank goodness.
I’d like to purchase one of these gift sets if I don’t win.
Thanks!
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We just had ‘the talk’ a few months ago as my daughter is near the age when I got mine. She is nervous but she understands all about it now..so she told me she feels prepared and confident about it now that we talked. Sometimes I close my eyes and wonder where the time has gone…my baby girl all grown up..sigh..time flies, huh! Thanks for the chance to win this great set..it is a special prize! Have a good day!
sandalsndaisies(at)yahoo(dot)com
My 11 year old just started her period last month. I had talked to her about it so she knew what it was. I was a bit suprised as she seems so young. My Mom talked to me but my Mom’s mom never talked to her so she thought she was dying untill her Mom noticed her underwear was stained.
I adore that book! Simply adore it and it will be in my daughter’s Red Box for sure!
very nicely done. All girls deserve to be armed with this information.
I summonned up the nerve to tell mom. She said “well, do you need me to buy anything?” I said no, because my sisters already had. That was essentially the end of discussion.
lisa
iluvchrisnlevi@aol.com
My daughter is 6 but she somewhat knows from always being around me. I think I will have a more defined talk when she is 8 or 9. I started at 11 so in case she starts young I want her to know before and why. THank you!
tatertot374@sbcglobal.net
wow, this is such an amazing gift idea. my mother, who was going through early stages of menapause around the same time i got my period, was very helpful, but i find that it was most likely because she was nostalgic for her own youth. we spent a week together just discussing everything she remembered about important times in youth – from my 45 minute birth at home (i hope i’m as lucky!) to my elementary school graduation.
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I started mine at school and had an accident all over the back of my jeans, it was a nightmare to say the leased!! noone from school could get ahold of my parents until 2 hours later, dad had to come get me, he didnt have a clue what to say, thank god i already knew this would happen, thank god for sex education in elementary school, i started in the 5th and if it werent for the lady in the health room I dont know what I would have done. I still remember her well. I now have 2 daughter of my own , so this would be great, I am glad people dont look at it as they used too.
My mom gave me a beautiful candle when I started. Still have it
This would be fantastic for my daughter!
This is a fabulous gift for a young lady starting out on her new journey. My daughter will be 11 in May and I have been stressing out on ways to make this journey easy for her and making her feel real special. I would love to give her a beautiful red goddess box!!!!
I started when I was away from home, and I was so scared. I had heard about “it” at school. But never really thought “it” was real. My mom had told as little as she had to.
My daughter is turning 12 in just a few weeks so I think it will be happening soon. We have talked a lot about it and she has read several books that we discussed. When it happens I have a huge baskets with supplies, chocolates and a gift. I plan on having a girls only day where just she and I do whatever we want all day.
What a great idea. The first time I learned about menstruation, I was six and I’d noticed some suspiciously bloody tissues in the bathroom trashcan. I had no idea what to think–I actually suspected that my sister was performing some crazy voodoo ritual that required the sacrificial blood! (And if you knew my sister at the time, you’d understand that this assumption was not entirely unfounded.) I ran to my mother, who gave me a detailed and informative summary of the menstruation cycle. Of course, I was so relieved that my sister was killing chickens in our attic that I didn’t really pay too much attention.
What a fantastic idea! I got the very basic lecture and handed a pad. While I knew what was happening, I wasn’t prepared for the cramps or the mess. Marking the event with something like this sounds wonderful!
How nice ! When I was 12 , my mom gave me a book and pack of pads in a pretty box. I thought it was sweet.Thanks for the chance to win ! tammyduc7@yahoo.com
this is a great idea. My mom didnt handle it at all. I was puzzled and scared when I had my first period. This is a great way to open the conversation with our daughter.
Thanks for such a generous giveaway! I hope I’m chosen as the lucky winner!!!
My wife would really love this. It would help a lot.
My mom didn’t handle mine so well. She made a huge sigh and acted very aggrevated when it happened. I thought it must be awful. It was a letdown.
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My family was over at our house visiting us, I had to use the restroom and that’s when I saw blood, I knew it was my period because my mom had talked to me about it before and they told us at school too. I cried! I just did not want to end up having blood come out of me every month for most of my life. I called my mom to “come here please, I need to tell you something” the first few times she ignored me because she was in a very “interesting” conversation with my aunt, finally she came over and I told her what happened. She just smiled a bit and was pretty surprised that’s what it was I had wanted her over there for. She thought I was just being annoying or something. haha
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Oh this giveaway is so very timely for me. My 11 year old seems ready to get hers any day now. I was planning on having a special “mommy bonding” day and letting her do something grown-up, like getting a pedicure, or going to the salon. I love the idea of the box though, and think i will start gathering supplies to make one (if i don’t win).
Thanks so much
Tara
What a wonderful ritual! My daughters are in their 30’s now and I wish I had thought of something so meaningful when they were pe-teens. Makes me want to start preparing now for my 2 granddaughters – even though they’re both under the age of two! Thanks for the inspiration.
What a great idea. My mom ended up having the neighbor come over and give me “the talk” when I ended up having some bleeding due to a playground accident so they realized I might almost be of the age. I’m still a little uncomfortable with thinking about my DD’s period (she just turned 10) but I want her to know she’s loved and to feel self confident. THANKS!!
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I learned about it in school, in the 6th grade, when they made all the boys leave the room and showed us girls a movie…yuck. Not a great way to learn about it. My girls both learn about it in natural ways, much as your bathroom incident, when a question arises I answer it honestly and simply. I’ve already started discussions with my almost 10 year old and really love your ideas, and would like to incorporate them. Viewing it as a celebration, not as something shameful or bad is wonderful.
Great post!
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When I started mine, it was no big deal. My mom didn’t do anything special at all (not that she isen’t an amazing mom). I would love to win this to give to my daughter Sarah. Try to make her feel special on that day.. Thanks for entering me..
I would love to give this to my daughter. She is almost 11 and I have already had the talk with her but to be able to give her something like this would be amazing. I would have never thought about it. Thanks for the chance..
Wow, I am in awe with how awesome this is!! I personally think that “the curse” gets such a negative connotation that girls are afraid of it. We need to take it back! I would love my daughter to have this because I am sure it will empower her. Thanks for such an amazing giveaway!
kayceewilliams at gmail dot com
My mother stopped having her period years before I got mine but she did go out and buy a belt and pads to be ready. She warned me that I would be getting blood and showed me how to hook everything up. Unfortunately she also explained that she was so happy not to get hers anymore etc. That + the fact that pads with adhesives and tampons were around and I only found out from friends made the whole experience awkward.
This is such a good idea! When my daughter started her period, I baked her a cake, and had a sex talk.
Well, I definitely won’t blog about it……she’d kill me! She already knows about most of it, although I haven’t gotten to the point where she actually has to deal with it! Thanks for the giveaway!
Great idea, I have four daughters.
i was so independant that i didn’t even tell my mom, i just dealt with it that was fine. But my sister is a lot different and way more open with our mom. She could definately benefit from this. thanks
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My daughter is six and knows a little about periods. I haven’t gone into details, but she’s seen me use pads and has even helped by putting a pad on my underwear for me. I plan to talk to her about it soon – unlike my mom did. I’m still not sure whether to make a big deal out of it – a milestone, coming-of-age thing – or whether to treat it as a simple fact of life. I see value in both approaches.
The first time I even knew about periods was just before I got my first one. (I still think God helped with the timing because I would have been scared to death if I’d started bleeding and didn’t know why.) I remember I was sitting in a doctor’s waiting room with my brother, looking at magazines. For some reason (God’s nudge?), I noticed an ad for tampons. I’d never heard of them before – or never noticed them – so I asked my brother what they were. He said to ask Mom. I did, and I honestly can’t remember what she said, but I do remember that a couple of booklets about menses appeared on my bed soon after. I read them thoroughly, so when my first period came a few months later, I had an idea what was going on.
Well for my first time, my parents ran to the store and bought me a red balloon, as well as a red velvet cake, and we celebrated.
But then we found out it was a false start…lol Oh well. 
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I hope to handle my daughter’s first period better than my parents ~ they just shrugged it off ~ I had learned the “what’s what” from school. I want her to know it’s normal ~ she’s not dying ~ and welcome her into womanhood.
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My oldest daughter is 11 and we’ve discussed her period quite a bit. She’s nervous about it starting in public, but I’ve assured her that when it first starts it isn’t a flood. It isn’t something that is a taboo subject in our house.
My daughter is due to have hers any day now, she’ s worried, but I am trying to prepare her. I still remember mine I tried to hide from my mother and she had to come to me after she changed the garbage out in the bathroom and have the talk, LOL!
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I have a granddaughter who getting to that age. It would sure to be nice to have for her.
I love this, my tween is almost 11.5 so it should be very soon. Luckily for me she is super open because I am super shy. This box would aid me in so many ways, I can’t even begin to express it here.
I just noticed Clarice’s comment, I did the same thing, I tried to hide it. My mom always acted like it is something that should be secret. I’m not secret about mine, but again I am super shy so I don’t like talking about it either, lol.
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I gave the “talk” to my daughter a few years ago. She’s definitely not thrilled about the idea. No one had the “talk” with me so I made sure to tell my daughter when she was young.
This is such a great gift. Being the mother to 5 daughters. I have only two at this time in the womanhood club. I love the idea of the journal. We have gone over the basic rules. We also have what we call the “period cart” in the bath room. It has all the items they need.
When my daughters started they each got to go out for a lunch of their choice. Then when Daddy came home from work that night. He had their favorite soda and candy bar. Like he does for me each month.
Even before having a daughter, I use to wonder about how to teach our children about such adventures. I’ve always had the idea of going out to eat, one on one with my daughter to celebrate.
Growing up a woman’s period was never discussed. I basically figured it out all on my own. I don’t blame my mom for that. She basically raised herself and younger brother. But it sure would have been nice to be able to discuss things with her. I really want my daughter to feel like she can ask me anything!
I love the idea of this box, the journal, and all the pampering items! I’m definitely going to make something like this for my daughter when the time comes!
thanks
Well, I found out one Sunday morning when I was 9 years old after staying home alone from church because I wasn’t feeling well. About an hour after everyone left I began to bleed. Literally thought I was dying! So, being before cell phones, I waited until someone came home two hours later. Being in a complete panic by the time my mom walked in, I was shocked with her calm methodical response to my declaration that her first born was dying. She left the room and came back with a box of pads (ladies of the 70’s, you know what pads I’m talking about. Big, thick, bulky things with a strap!) and a small pamphlet. Yep, you got it… that’s how I found out. No words were ever exchanged. It was one of those unspeakable things in those days. So, wanting to better equip my daughter, we talked about everything before her 9th birthday. Then, sure enough…she started about 4 months after she turned 9. We celebrated the big day by hanging out together, having lunch, and cuddling when she hurt. She was also presented with her very first box of cool thin pads with wings! I must say, I love the box idea above and encourage any mother to do this. What a neat thing! Eventhough my daughter’s experience was much more open and celebrated compaired to my own experience, I’m sharing the box idea with her to tuck away for when she becomes a mother. The box idea is definitely a home run out of the ball park!
I’m not sure how I will handle it. My daughter just turned 9 and I feel awkward about the whole thing. My mom gave me a booklet kind of mentioned it and didn’t say to much about it. I hope to do more then that though. This would be a nice set for for my daughter.
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My mom was really great with me. She made sure I was ok and knew what to do, then just left me alone to handle it myself. I appreciated it because it wasn’t awkward yet I still knew I could go to her if I had any questions or anything!
I have two daughters and we will just treat it as a natural occurance. We had to have the talk after they had used by tampons for missles and my pads for subs in war with their brother … for the fifth time. Nice prize!
i would definitely be open with my daughter and talk to her about periods early on. What a great prize! Thanks for sharing.
chantellesabino at mac dot com
My mother didn’t handle my period very well. She was very old fashioned and did’t think I was going to get my period until I was 15 or so. Well I got it at 13 yrs old and I was so lost. All I knew was what I had overheard the old girls saying, so I had to piece things together.
I hope to be very different. I plan on being prepared, and discuss eveything befor hand. And insure she knows there’s always an open door to discuss ehatever her needs or questions.
This is an awesome giveaway, my girls are only 5 (and I have 2 of them, so winning ONE box like this would just cause fights LOL) but I have a friend w/ an 11 yr old daughter who, I think, would appreciate it. Another great idea I’ve heard is giving your daughter a moonstone necklace as a momento of starting her period.
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This is such a cool idea! I remember my Mom sat me down and we had “the talk” complete with a great book for me to read as I wanted in my own time. I also remember getting in the mail (it was a least 6 months before my period started) a box from the Tampax company with samples of all their products so that I would be ready when it happened. It had reading material and I must have poured over it again and again to be ready. When the time came it was not scary but very liberating and my parents took me out to eat to celebrate !
I’m actually trying to figure out how to start talking to her now. I started very early & I want to discuss it before she starts and freaks out. This would be great! Thanks for the contest.
My mother blabbed to everyone. I was mortified.
My daughter just turned 11, and we have talked about as her body is very quickly changing. I just took her shopping for her very first bra! So I know her time is quickly coming. We have talked about hygenie and a lil bit about sexuality but to be honest I know we have to have more conversations abuot it.. so maybe this gift can enable that.
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I tried to have “the talk” the other day with my daughter and she stopped me saying she would rather watch “the movie” at school. I am going to try again soon though!
Thanks
I didn’t tell anyone when I started. It wasn’t until in high school athletics that I became okay with the fact.
Now I have been pregnant or nursing (with two different little ones) for 3 and a half years, so I haven’t had to worry about periods. I have only had three.
I love that box idea. It is something that shouldn’t be shunned or to be embarrassed my.
I did not get a talk as I have 2 sisters a few years older than myself and I just kind of learnd from them I gess? also my famly is very openabout stuff like this so I gess it was not realy a big deal which is good
thanks
My mother explained things to me and gave me a book to read.
Deborah @ Comfort Joy Designs
comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com
comfortjoydesigns{AT}gmail{DOT}com
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Hi, I will never forget my special day! My two cousins, Larry and Terry, were waiting in our kitchen for me to go sledding. I had to use the restroom before we left. Lo and behold there was a blood stain on my underwear1 My mom had never discussed menstual periods. I screamed and thought I was dying. Of course, my guy cousins heard all of this! I was so embarressed…..Cindi
Although I lived in Iran and every thing about sexuality was a hush hush then or even now, my mom told me before it happened and she handled it very well when it happened. It is a wonderful thing to celebrate this with our daughters because this is one of the most important and beautiful events in a girls development.
But I liked how you handled the candy question with your son. I hope I can be so direct and matter of fact about these subjects with my son. Specially because I don’t have any experience of a sex talk with my parents.
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I first took my daughter to a “girls only” class at Children’s hospital. It was very informative and helpful. After the class we talked about her hitting puberty and we’ve always been able to talk openly.
this is fabulous! I was given a little booklet to read.
I didn’t get mine until I was 16 so my mom wasn’t too sympathetic. I think I would like to be more sympathetic to my daughter because it can be hard to deal with at first!
I’m waiting for my 11 year old to blossom into womanhood and we will celebrate the way I did with my 27 year old daughter. I took her out shopping for girly supplies and chocolate bars, made her an emergency pack for her locker at school (with extra panties, girly supplies, pain reliever and chocolate) and then we went out and had lunch together…just us girls! Thanks for the incredible contest….this is something I know my youngest would appreciate and treasure.
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This is really a nice giveaway!! I don’t think anything like this existed for me when I was 12
My daughter is young right now.. but when that day comes.. I will do my best to explain to her.. and be as understanding as I can. I don’t ever want to her to be worried about what products ect.. I want to make sure she never gets embarrassed ( like i was when i was younger ahhhh lol).
Tara
cloudspassby78 (at) yahoo (dot) com
http://www.weightingforperfection.blogspot.com
I was a ‘late’ girl. So I was pretty excited when it did happen! I just told my mom, and she gave me the essentials. But I don’t think she explained it. It took me awhile to get tampons down, haha. This is such a great idea!
My daughter is 10 and will soon be getting her period I believe. I think I’ll be able to handle it calmly and explain to her what is going on. I remember when I got my period when I was 11 and I was at a friend’s house for a sleepover. We were playing barbies and pretending that our barbies got their periods and the next morning I got mine. I was so excited and I remember my friend being jealous because she didn’t have hers yet LOL!
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This is such a neat tool. This will be a great way to help my daughter with her ‘time’ when it happens. My mom was really good about explaining what was happening to me, but I still remember being really freaked out about it.
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My niece is twelve and she’s like a daughter to me because I’ve raised her the last 5+ years. I’ve talked to her openly about my moon cycles and have explained in a very basic way about why it is this happens each month.
Lately, I’ve had discussions with her about when this will happen for her and have even shown her all the different types of products in the store so she knows she has options. She’s very tiny and I suspect she won’t start for another 2 years but I know when she does she’ll understand what’s happening, know where to get what she needs and always know that Auntie Mylisa is around for ANY and all questions she might have.
I’d LOVE to win this giveaway!
What a beautiful idea. My daughter is 7, but I know the day is coming faster than I realize. I love this box, and think it is a very cherished thing! I will do this for her for sure!!
mogrill@comcast.net
My daughter is thirteen and has not started her period yet, but she knows it will come, why it will come and what to do when it arrives. I wish I had had a red goddess box for the arrival of mine!
When it was my turn, my mother gave me the box and explained how to use them. There wasn’t any information given before hand. Like a lot of teens, most of my information came from my friends, right or wrong.
My poor mom! She said “if it doesn’t stop soon, I’ll tell you what to do.” She was so lost I think.
Thanks for entering me! Great Contest!
Janna Johnson
jannajanna@hotmail.com
mine didnt say anything.I had to figure itout on my own
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My daughter is almost 12 and we will be going through this sometime soon. I have already talked about it to her because it wasn’t explained to me when I was young and I sat in the bathroom and cried for hours thinking I was dying when I started mine. Thanks for this great contest!
lisalmg25 at gmail dot com
This is really awesome giveaway! My daughter is only nine and in the 3rd grade but me and my sisters all started in the 5th grade so I am thinking she will also.
We have already started talking about it a little since I have a very hard time when I am on my period so I had to explain what was going on with her.
My Mom did not do a very good job at all telling me lol..thankful my sister did so I am going to do my best to get my daughter ready..
My daughter is 10. She knows that she can ask me anything, and we discuss changes in her body and what she can expect in the near future. I think this box is a wonderful idea. It would allow her to feel more comfortable with what is happening and make her feel more connected as a “woman.”
My mom just bought me tampons… That was about it
Nothing very special or helpful at all!
This is a great idea! Thanks for the thoughtful giveaway
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This is an awesome idea and a lovely product. Our Julia just turned ten. She’s already developing her figure and I know the day of her first period is not far off. We have discussed it (mattrer-of-factly, I think) with her and provided her with well-written books on the subject, but I admit we never thought about making it a CELEBRATION. Now, after reading your blog, I will do just that, whether or not I win this amazing prize! Thank you so much for the great giveaway and for the new perspective.
klownmom[at]gmail[dot]com
I want to end a family cycle of shame. My dear Aunt suffered for years with severe endometriosis. Because her mother (my grandmother) had been shamed as a tramp for having the same problem, she assumed that her daughter was exaggerating to get out of gym class. The male doctor my aunt saw as a girl reinforced this idea. As a result, she ended up requiring a full hysterectomy at 21. She was never able to have children. The taboo of talking about our reproductive health and our sexuality is stupid and I will make sure my very young daughter never experiences it from her family.
I’m going to be needing this soon. My daughter is 9 and I was 11 when I started. It’s a wonderful idea.
I have not though much beyond we will have special day together to celebrate. I got mine right as we were leaving on vacation to the beach and it was not fun or special
My mom was pretty matter-of-fact about it. However, I did get my period at my brothers 6th birthday party at chuckie cheese, that was awkward….Thanks for a great giveaway!
jjdragonfly [at] gmail [dot] com
What a really cool gift! My mom just explained it all to me and told me that this was my passage into womanhood…to which I broke into tears, and she sat in her rocking chair (that she had rocked me in from birth) and rocked me while I cried.
My mother was really good about it telling us everything that was going on. She explained and had everything preapred for that day.
This would be amazing for my Niece. She’s 13 This year and hasn’t started yet… She would Love me forever. Her bithday is February 11th and this would be a great gift!
My mom took me shopping on that day, and Believe it or not, I picked out a Red Shirt…
Thanks!
my daughter is 10 now so her time is coming up very soon. i’m excited but at the same time also sad that my baby is growing up. she knows what is going to happen and is very excited about it. most of her friends have gotten their periods so she is really dying to get hers but i have explained to her that everyone is different and her time will come. i would love to gift her with this box. she would be thrilled!
I didn’t start my cycle until my 16th summer and I cried even though I thought I was so ready. My mom was like you, she answered any questions we had over the dinner table. Since she was at work – I called her- she called our neighbor, a very nice English woman and I went over there and another neighbor we were also friends with comforted me and distracted me with fun stories about all the superstitions they have in England.
I love this idea and right now only have a son but would love to do this. This box though may be sent over to my niece – she is nine and will be likely getting her period in the next few years. My best friend started at nine. Of course she also started her menopause at sixteen (premature ovarian failure).
And me, I take my time with everything, as I said, I got my period at sixteen, I think I stopped growing sometime in my twenties and just had my first baby two years ago at thirty six.
When my mother had “the talk” with me, she basically handed me a booklet and said to ask if there were any questions.
When my girls were ready for “the talk” the biggest worry I had was discussing tampons. The way I handled it was to take a small dixie cup and fill it with water. I had them open the package and push the tampon out of the cylinder. Then to demonstrate how it worked, I had them put it in the water to see how it absorbed. They were fascinated! I think the hands-on approach seemed to really help them comprehend how the process works.
My mother(a long time ago) bought a book with illustrations and we had “the talk.”
I was not told and my first period was in Japan while touring with my gymnastics team. Very embarassing.
Well, when I had my first period, my mother was not so helpful. My sister gave me some midol and pads and explained everything that would happen. This bag looks like a godsent.
The Red Godess box would definately be for my 10 year old niece.
Mom was’nt home and my sisters (twins) had to tell me what to do for this “gift”
My mom did not give any info. I learned from my friends, SO sad
Mom told me what I needed to know. I was so young that it was a shock to me.
At one of my daughter’s girl scout meetings we focused on periods and the different feelings that that time brings. It really seemed to help all of the girls.
I have two sons, I remember talking to them about their bodies and sex starting when they were very young. My mom told me about the changes my body would go through. I also remember in elementary school, they seperated the girls and boys into diffenet room to talk about the changes that your body would go through. We also had to bring a note, signed by our parents, that it was ok to attend.
i hope to show her books and info way in advance so she’s aware it’ll happen, then just handle it when it happens.
I plan on spending a lot of time educating my daughter and this looks like a great way to do that..thanks
My mom had talked to me about it before, because all my friends were getting it and I was confused why I hadn’t yet, (I was only 13) and a few feeks after the talk, before school one morning, it came. I was so happy! The happiness soon faded.
My step daughter is 12 but, I let her mom handle it. I’ll need to keep her with supplies and let her know I can answer any questions.
My daughter and I had had a talk about it and the changes to her body. We stocked up on supplies that she would need. Issue was that she started at my sister in laws house and was too embarassed to tell her. She called me and told me she was sick and wanted to come home.
My mom gave me smaill books to read, and I read them.
I don’t have a daughter so I’ve not had to deal with this subject. However, when I first started, my Mom sent my big sister in to help me and talk to me and then we had a mother-daughter talk after. I was more comfortable with my sister since we are very close.
I bought her the Judy Blume book titled “are you
there god its me Margaret”.The
book that I read when I was preteen. It explains it all.
My mother handled it by giving me a box of Kotex. Thanks for the giveaway!
My mom told me in the bathroom when I was 8. I thought “eww gross”.
I grew up always knowing. Can’t remember when I learned.
I wish I had this for my 16 year old when she started. I have a 12 year old and I am waiting for the tear filled time when she says mom I started. My baby will have become a woman and I will be so sad. This would be so nice to be able to give her to help her transition into womanhood.
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Oh man, Im not looking forward to that! AFter that comes boys!! Im gonna tell her like it is. Be totally honest with her. My mom didnt tell me about it, so I freaked out when I started!! I hope to make it as easy as possible for her!
I wish I had this prize when I started. But my mom actually ordered me a video about it and started my subscription to teen magazine because the subscription came with (at the time) tampons and how to use them and what your body is going through. It was embarrassing for me but I am now glad my mom did that for me.
Well my daughter has already started her period but I still help her threw it. She gets the regular joys of having it…cramps…tired/fatigue…bloating. But we just sit down & talk about things concerning it. So far she is handling it great.
This would make a wonderful gift for my niece. I grew up in a house with 3 women and knew what was coming. We were always open about bodily functions and my older sister always told me everything. When it happened, my mother and grandmother beamed while I rolled my eyes and my older sister just laughed at me. It wasn’t shameful or blessed, just a fact of life.
My mother never talked to me about my period, so sad! I ended up getting it the day she and my step-dad ran off and got married (Valentines Day). I never told her, I just dealt with it myself. A few years later she finally asked me, so when did you first get your period?! I vowed I would never let that happen to my daughter(s). Thank you for this opportunity.
I have held a talk with my daughter and explained it and answered her questions.
my daughter is only 8, but i know that time will be here before you know it. i would love to win this.
i was 12 and at a sleepover when mine came..i was a little upset but my mom came and got me and we had the talk..lol
I would tell her honestly how it is…honesty is best
I look forward to talking openly and honestly with my littleone -when it is time. I think this is an awesome idea…thank you!
I’ve already handled my daughter’s by giving her some good informative books to read beforehand and by having an honest chat with her
She could still use this, it only happened recently…
What a great idea and giveaway!! My daughter is only 4 right now but I am sure when the time comes it will be a very emotional day.
When my daughter gets her period, we are going to celebrate and have a coming of age party. I am sure somewhere in all of that we will have a talk about sexual things as well but overall I want to make it a good experience for her and not an uncomfortable one. Thanks!
I plan on making it a rite of passage and a celebration of her womanhood by having a spa day together, being open and honest about everything and then her daddy will take her to dinner and show her how a man treats a lady. She’ll recieve a purity ring to one day pass on to her daughter.
Great prize.
My mom treated my period like it was a dirty secret. I made up my mind that it would be different for my daughter. She knew well in advance what to expect, and we celebrated when the “blessed event” occured. I even got her special earrings for the occasion.
I learned about periods long before mine started by reading my mother’s medical books (she was an LPN) I was told nothing.
My mom never talked to me about it…just knew what I learned in the classes at school.
I will probably tell her about a year before the average age and go into details on what’s happening, how to handle things, how often to change things, etc.
My mother handed me a book with illustrations and
that come with all the essentials.She did not like
talking about it,although I did ask questions.I will
handle this different now that I am a parent.I will
talk and explain it and use a book as an example.
I am very open so it won’t be so hard.It’s a part of
life.
We have talked about it, so I think she is prepared.
I don’t really remember how my parents handled my period.
My two daughters are still a long way away from this, but wow, what a wonderful idea! The first time I had my period, I was away from home, visiting my best friend. Her mom gave me a thick, bulky pad and grinned and said, “Welcome to womanhood.”
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well, the average age is now between 10 and 12. So, maybe start earlier than you think. For my daughter’s 7th b-day my doc recommended talking to her just in case she developed at 9 or 10. I was SHOCKED.
I would order one of those “first period” kits and talk to her about it
This contest is officially over. The winner is. . . . per random.org Karen Gonyea! I’ll email her directly.
Congratulations!
Brilliant idea! I remember always feeling very dirty as a teen when I had my period. My daughter is nearly three, so I haven’t deeply considered it, but I’ll me making something similar to this for her.
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Getting my period wasn’t much of an event itself, but I remember in fourth grade being extremely excited about the possibility of getting my period. I was in an alternative style classroom with 4-6 graders, and was one of only four girls among 20-some boys.
Our teacher, who was just an amazing woman, made sure we understood that menarche was something special and nothing to be ashamed of, and and girl who got their period for the first time would get a little gift to celebrate.
This was just incredibly cool and made something that could have felt dirty and shameful into an event to look forward to and be comfortable with.
I’d moved to a different school by the time I started menstruating but that always stuck with me as a really powerful way to make young girls feel good about their bodies.
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