How to talk to your parent

Talking to a parent about periods, your body, or anything that feels personal can seem like the hardest part, but it is almost always easier than the buildup in your head. Parents and trusted adults have usually been waiting for you to bring it up, and most are genuinely glad when you do. Here are some ways to make it feel less awkward.

Keep the opener simple

You do not need a big speech. A short, direct sentence works best. You could say, I got my period and I need some supplies, or, Can we talk about something kind of private. Starting small takes the pressure off, and the conversation usually flows from there once the first words are out.

It does not have to be your mom

Sometimes the easiest person is a dad, an older sibling, an aunt, a grandparent, or a school nurse, and that is completely okay. Any parent and any trusted adult can help with this. If talking face to face feels like too much, a text or a note can be a perfectly good way to start. The point is just to tell someone, not to do it in any particular way.

If you do not have a parent to ask

Not everyone has a parent they can turn to, and that is okay. A school nurse, a counselor, a teacher you trust, or another caring adult can step in and help you get what you need and answer your questions. You are never the only person who has had to figure this out, and asking for help is a sign of taking good care of yourself.

Remember

This is a completely normal part of growing up, and the adults around you have been through it or helped someone through it before. The awkwardness fades fast once you start, and on the other side of one short conversation is a lot more support than you had before.