Frequently asked questions from parents

Here are some of the most common questions asked by parents about periods and how best to prepare your daughter. If you can’t find the answer you are looking for try looking at our parents section which has lots of helpful information including tips on how to talk to your daughter about periods. You might also want to have a look at our becoming a teen site which has been designed as a source of help and advice for young girls about periods, puberty and growing up.

1. How old will my daughter be when she starts her period?

All girls develop at different times. Some might start their period as young as eight, while others might not start until they’re 18. The key thing for your daughter is understand periods are a natural part of being a young woman.

2. Which products should I advise my daughter to use when she starts her period?

We recommend your daughter uses towels for her first few periods as she adjusts to the changes in her body.

Lil-Lets has a range of teens ultra towels, specially designed shorter and narrower to fit younger bodies. Available in both day and night versions, they come in pretty drawstring bags with removable sleeves and whisper wrappers, for that all-important extra discretion.

Once your daughter’s menstrual cycle has settled into a routine and she becomes more comfortable and confident, she may prefer to try our Silk Comfort compact applicator tampons.

3. Can my daughter use tampons when she starts her period?

Yes. Some girls may find compact applicator tampons easier to use at first, before switching to non-applicator tampons once and our website along with the leaflet in contained in each pack will give her lots of useful advice on using a tampon for the first time.

Head to our becoming a teen website with your daughter to find out more about choosing the right product, and watch our animated video on how to insert a tampon correctly. [Link]

4. My daughter is 16 and hasn’t started her period yet, is this normal?

Yes, all girls develop at different ages. However, if you are concerned you can always visit your GP to ensure there are no underlying medical problems preventing her period from starting.

5. My daughter’s first period has lasted six weeks, is this normal?

During puberty, the increase in hormone production can cause irregular periods. While it’s not unknown for a period to last for six weeks, if you have any concerns it may be a good idea to take her along to your GP just to make sure there are no underlying medical conditions.

6. Should I wait for my daughter to ask me about periods or should I bring the subject up?

It’s important you chat about the subject before your daughter starts her period so she knows what to expect and is prepared. If you notice discharge in her underwear it’s likely she’ll soon start her period, so talk to her about the products she’ll need when the time comes.