Welcome to the world of periods. If your child's first period has just arrived and you have loads of questions about what to do, what to expect, and periods in general then you’ve come to the right place. This blog will help you navigate this strange and thrilling time in you and your child's life and guide you through some of the most commonly-asked questions about periods– some of which you’ve probably had. If your child is 10 years old and just got their period, we’ve got answers.
Is 10 Too Early To Get A Period?
You may be wondering if getting a first period at age 10 is too early. Perhaps their friends haven’t gotten their first periods yet, and they're feeling a bit out of place. But the truth is, signs of puberty are different for everyone and getting your period at 10 is perfectly normal. There is no such thing as average development and things are happening right on schedule for your child. If you’re concerned, know that their friends will catch up eventually when it is their body’s time to change.
What Is The Normal Age To Get A Period?
The typical age range for people to get their periods is between ages nine and 15. Anything before nine is considered “precocious puberty.” If someone doesn’t get their first period by the age of 15, it’s called “primary amenorrhea.” If your child has gotten their period at age 10, they are within the regular ages that most people get their periods. Remember: The range of what is considered “normal” when it comes to puberty-related development is very large, and people experience milestones of puberty whenever their bodies are ready.
When Your Child Asks: Why Don't My Friends Have Their Periods Yet?
Here's what we'd say: That’s okay! Remember what we talked about before, how all bodies are different? That applies to you and your friends, too. Nobody is ahead and nobody is behind – your friends will get their periods eventually, and, if you’re comfortable, you can talk to them about your first period when it’s time. Don’t feel embarrassed because you got your first period at age 10 and your friends still haven’t gotten theirs. Regardless of how you might feel or what other people might say, rest assured that you are right on track with puberty, and your body knows exactly what it’s doing.
What Do I Do If My Child Gets Their Period at Age 10?
First things first: Relax! Make sure they know they shouldn't feel embarrassed – half of all adults have had a period too. Reassure them that you and other trusted adults are there to support and help. The next thing they'll need is a period protection: a pad, tampon, menstrual cup, or period underwear to help absorb the blood. If none of these options are available to them when their period comes, they can always fold up some toilet paper as a makeshift pad until they have access to one.
Some people tend to use pads at the beginning of their period because they tend are very easy to use – tampons come with a bit of a learning curve – but they can use whatever they feel best using. Period underwear is a fantastic option for young menstruators because it feels just like normal underwear AND prevents leaks. Going forward, consider making a Period Emergency Kit for your child so that they will always be prepared– after all, their period isn’t always going to come at the same time every month, so they'll want to be ready in case it ever comes as a surprise in the middle of the school day.
When They Ask: Will It Come Every Month?
The first two years after you get your period are often full of wildly irregular periods and varying cycles. It’s possible that while they have their first period this month, perhaps next month they won’t get one at all. Likewise, it’s possible that this first period will only last two or three days, while the next one lasts closer to four or five. All bodies are different, and puberty in particular throws the body for an absolute loop. These hormones are basically acting up and figuring out how to settle down for about two years, and it is only when they’re finished with the puberty process that your period cycle and flow can become a lot more steady.
So if your child is 10 years old and just got their first period now, they may already be 12 or even 13 years old by the time they're fully used to having a regular period. Right now, if they want to learn more about their period, they can start using a period tracker, whether that’s an app or simply a paper calendar to get used to paying attention to their period and getting to know their cycle.
Reassure Them: What You’re Going Through Is Normal
If they've just gotten their first period at age 10, remember that it’s nothing to worry about. They're right on track for their age range, and what they're going through is completely normal. Most menstruating people get their first periods anywhere between the ages of nine and 15. Now that they've joined the ranks of those who get a regular period, you both can start preparing for future cycles with a Period Emergency Kit (featuring some of our Leakproof Period Panties, of course), and by reading some more of our posts about what to do to prevent period leaks in school, how to deal with period cramps, and more.
