Periods can feel embarrassing and nerve wracking, especially when your child has plans to sleep over at a friend's house. Maybe they don’t know everyone at the sleepover. Maybe they haven’t met their pal’s parents yet. Maybe they're nervous about leaking in someone else’s bed or sleeping bag. That said, there’s no reason to let fear get in the way of them having a good time. If you're both concerned about getting them getting their period at a sleepover, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to handle it.
1. Wear Period Underwear
If your tween is new to the period game, it can take some time for their body to adjust to having a regular cycle. That means their period could make an unexpected appearance at any time. Don’t panic! Instead of wearing a bulky “just-in-case” pad or an annoying panty liner, have them try a pair of Kt Super Leakproof Sleepover Shorts instead.
The Sleepover Shorts were designed specifically to provide all-night protection at sleepovers. They have a super long leak-proof liner that stops leaks, no matter which way your child sleeps. If they zonk out on their stomach, sprawl out like a starfish style, or thrash around while catching z’s, they'll be protected all the way. Each pair can absorb up to 12 teaspoons, or 12 regular pads or tampons worth of blood.
The best part is they look like regular undies, so no one will have any idea they’re your child's secret weapon against period leaks. Until, of course, all their friends start asking you where they got those cute shorts from.
2. Pack them a Period Survival Kit
A Period Survival Kit is key at a sleepover. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, but prep a little travel bag with extra pads and tampons and some pain reliever in it. Click here to read our post on what other items you should include in the kit. Not only will it come in handy in case of an emergency, they'll be prepared to help out with anyone else’s too.
3. Don’t Be Afraid to Talk About It
It might feel tricky to start a convo with your tween about their period, but the more you talk about it, the less anxiety you'll both have.
Encourage them to also be open with their friends about their period. The good news is that sleepovers were basically invented for intimate, TMI conversations. There’s no better time for them to start talking about their period than at 12 AM in their PJs surrounded by snacks while binging on Netflix. They should remember that everyone there probably has all the same questions, worries, and uncertainties about their periods as they do.
If they wake up with a spot and everyone sees…so what! Anyone choosing to make fun of them is not acting like such a good friend, and may not understand the changes going on in their own bodies.. They don’t have to hang out with anyone who isn’t supportive or makes them feel weird about their body. They should keep a lookout for the people who are kind, affirm them, and treat them the way they want to be treated.
And if they're ever unsure about how to handle getting their period at their friend’s house, let them know they can call you to talk about it.
