Health Archives | Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog

Girls’ periods usually start between the ages of 9 to 12, and we need your tween to be prepared for when the day comes. While your tween might have come across a pad either from you, friends, health classes, or TV commercials, be sure to explain that they are meant to help manage periods and stay clean and dry while menstruating.

Types Of Pads

Pads are rectangles (or more like surfboard-shaped!) absorbent inserts that attach to the inside of a tween’s pants to catch menstrual blood. They are also referred to as sanitary pads or sanitary napkins.

Some of the pads have extra material on the side (“wings”), which fold over the edges of your tween’s underpants, helping to hold the pad in place and prevent leaking.

Your tween should change her pad every 3-4 hours, even if your tween has light flow. Your tween girl might need to change her pad more often with heavy flow. Two types of pads do the same job, but they are used a little differently:

Disposable Pads

Most of these pads have a sticky strip along the bottom. Your tween should peel off the paper strip that covers the adhesive and press the pad into the crotch of their underwear. If the pad is “winged”, she wraps the wings around the bottom of the crotch.

When it is time to change or remove the pad, your tween will unstick the pad from their underwear and wrap it in toilet paper, tissue, or the wrapper of the replacement pad. Your tween should then dispose of it in the trash can or a safe disposable bag and wash her hands thoroughly.

Emphasize to your tween that pads are not to be flushed down the toilet as this may cause toilet clogging and make a big mess.

Reusable Pads

Your tween will need to wash these pads every time she wears them. Its concept is the same as that of a single-use disposable pad. These pads are designed to snap or clip securely onto a girl’s underwear and absorb their menstrual flow. They are by far more environmentally friendly but require a lot more work.

Features of Tween Pads

Tween pads are similar in design and function to regular pads, with the important difference being their size.

Tweens have smaller bodies; therefore, tween pads offer more comfort and convenience of use. You should also consider the following features;

Organic Cotton; when choosing the right pad for your tween girl, remember that she is especially susceptible to hormone imbalance and infections; therefore, ensure their reproductive organs are not exposed to tainted cotton.
Absorbency; for your tween, springing a leak during her period is embarrassing times ten and then squared! When choosing a sanitary pad for young girls, make sure it features superior absorbency. Even if larger and less comfortable, if she is experiencing a heavy flow, she may need a full ladies’ pad with additional absorbency in the first day or two; smaller “teen” pads we will cover here are only designed for a medium flow.
Odor and Bacteria Control; Your tween might be familiar with the negative impact of having a tampon on for long. But does she know how long a pad should last? If your tween wears her pad for too long, there’s a greater chance of bacteria multiplying inside the pad, which may result in unpleasant odors and may be a cause of skin rash and nasty infections.

Tip for buying pre-teen pads

Your tween will experience heavy and light flows. The first few periods may be light, with only a few blood spots. Most periods last from three-five days, but anywhere from two to seven days is normal.

She will probably need to use 3-6 sanitary pads for girls per day, although it might be fewer on her lighter days. In the first couple of days and at night, your tween might prefer more extended, thicker pads or pads with wings to avoid any leakages.

Even in between periods, she may have noticed a heavier-than-usual discharge. If this concerns your girl, by all means, she might like to wear a panty liner throughout her non-period days to prevent any staining and embarrassment.

Also, do not forget to ensure that your tween can access sanitary pads at home should they get there when you are not around. You can place different period pads in their room or the bathroom.

Best Types of Pads For Tweens

So now we know what our tween needs; what are the best types of pads your tween should start out with? These are the best types of pads we’ve found widely available and catering to smaller bodies.

Best Day Pads for Tweens: Always Radiant Teen Pads

Always Radiant Teen Pads are one of the leaders in making pads specifically designed for smaller bodies. Their Size 1 pads are ideal for day use by girls who would be a lady’s Small or Extra Small in clothing.

These pads are comfortably thin for your tween and will keep them leak-free throughout an entire school day. Thanks to the broad Flexi wings, the pad stays in place and will not slide around. The leak guard core absorbs in seconds.

What’s more, the always ultra-thin is unscented with my fit strip for your tween to tailor their pad to fit their flow and panty size. If they find these are not absorbent enough, you can step up to size 2.

Runner Up Best Tween Pads: Pinkie Period Pads

Designed specifically with tweens and teens in mind, the Pinkie Period Pads are ideal for smaller-bodies girls, with sizing down to youth underwear size 8.

Their ultra-thin pads come in mini, small, and regular, each in a drawstring baggie with a cloth-like wrapper for convenient disposal, too.

We love that there’s no fragrance, chlorine, or bleach, with an ultra-snug fit to your girl’s growing body.

Also Consider: U by Kotex Security Ultra Thin

U by Kotex Teen is another excellent pad for your tween, as it is a hypoallergenic period pad. It is made without perfumes or lotions and is free of any pesticide or elemental chlorine. It also features a soft cotton cover making it gentle and breathable on your tween’s skin.

Most importantly, Kotex Teen products are uniquely sized for smaller bodies. Their ultrathin pads are still high absorbency using their unique Xpress-DRI Core technology, and they come with wings to hold the pad in place.

(NB – Kotex used to stock a “tween” range too, but it looks like these have been discontinued).

Best Tween Pads For Overnight: Always Ultra Thin Pads Size 4 Overnights

With the Always Ultra-thin overnight, your tween will soon discover that a larger, heavier flow pad is still required in the first few days while sleeping. Larger doesn’t have to mean thicker though; technology has come a long way. You can still capture leaks with an Ultrathin pad.

It is unscented and HSA/FSA eligible in the USA with Flexi wings to ensure your tween gets enough eye shut without any leaks. It’s one of the best pads for tweens to use at night.

Best variety pack of pads for tweens: Asana Girl Unscented Pads

If the package reads girl, it is an excellent choice for your tween. The Asana Unscented pad is a combo pack that includes four heavy sanitary napkins, three mini pads for all-day protection during your tween’s lightest and heaviest days, and five regular pads.

Their sanitary napkins are made with hypoallergenic, breathable sheets that help alleviate irritation, blisters, rashes, itchiness, and chafing. This combo with wings also helps your tween balance her PH and hormone levels reducing menstrual pain and cramping naturally. It’s a great first-period sample kit.

Best Pads for Sporty Tweens: U by Kotex Fitness Ultra Thin Pads

If you have a sp orty tween girl, there are more considerations you may need to take into account when choosing the best pad to fit her needs.

We love that U by Kotex also comes in a Fitness line of ultrathin pads. They’re not as short as the “teen” range of pads we mentioned above, but they are uniquely shaped for active young ladies.

They contain the same Xpress DRI Core that absorbs quickly and wings to minimize leaks but remains discreet beneath their tight workout clothing.

My First Period Sampler Kit

Remember, just because you’re brand loyal to a particular type of pad, it won’t necessarily be the right fit for your tween. She will need to experiment for herself.

A My First Period Sampler Kit will provide your pre-teen girl with the opportunity to test several different brands at once to see which fit she finds best.

Containing Size 1 Always Radiant pads and liners, U by Kotex Teen pads, along with some disposal bags and wipes, this will certainly put your girl on the right footing until she decides which is the right one for her.

Don’t forget a carry pouch!

Unfortunately, periods can start anywhere, at any time. Your tween will undoubtedly find she needs to deal with her periods while out of the house. A cute and discreet napkin purse is a must for her sanitary items.

She may need two, one that she keeps in her bag with a few extra supplies like deodorant wipes, and a very small kit she can keep in her pocket. Here are a few ideas to try:

See full product specs for the Fitbit Inspire 2 on Amazon

Alternatives to Pads for Tween Periods

Although pads are the easiest solution for newly menstruating girls, they’re not the only solution.

Some girls may prefer the convenience of period pants. These didn’t really exist when we were girls, so it’s a new avenue you could perhaps both explore in finding the most comfortable solution.

We look at the best types of period pants for tweens over here.

Another alternative is using tampons. These are not recommended at the very start but learning to use a tampon is a skill your pre-teen may want to learn, especially if they have swimming lessons and pool parties to consider.

We have a detailed guide here on teaching your tween girl how to use a tampon.

As an alternative, if tampons still feel daunting, you could introduce your girl to the concept of period swimwear. Designed for light to medium flow days, the right set of swimwear could see your girl confidentially continuing to swim through her period or at the very least, feel confident and protected while sitting poolside this summer.

We compare leading brands of period swimsuits suitable for tweens in this guide.

Summing it up – Pads for Tweens

Organizing your tween with her first period kit might feel like the easy part, but getting to a brand and fit that’s perfect for her is entirely another challenge.

We hope this tween pad guide has helped you find the perfect fit for your girl or at least prepare her for the decision she will need to make when this important moment in her life arrives.

Let us know in the comments below if you’ve found the perfect fit for your pre-teen!

Best Fitness Tracker For Tweens (9 To 12-Year-Olds) in 2026

Tween Parent — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 01:41:00 +0000

Have you noticed the difference between your tween and you when you were their age? It is soo there and so loud at that. Or am I the one who is old? During our tween years, we like literally spent them outdoors and had to be summoned for food during lunchtimes, yeah we had to be reminded that it was dark for us to get in! Where did those days go?

With this new generation and most especially the tween age (9-12 years) you have to remind them that it’s daylight so that they can go out (often grudgingly at that). Do we blame technology or the times that we are in (as if there is any difference)?

You will be a lucky parent if your tween is into sports and they are loving them. Then you will be sure they are exercising and keeping healthy. But where do we go? We that our tweens are glued to the screen (be it telly or phone) and only walk when it is very necessary, like rushing to the washroom or the kitchen for a snack.

Exercising is very important for your kid and you as it will help keep fit and healthy. And we have the technology to thank for it has designed fitness trackers or smartwatches that we and our children can use to get engaged and challenge ourselves to get more actively pursuing a healthy life.

Trust me; fitness trackers are the best option that we got to ensure our kiddos get out there and get active. What’s more, they come with a screen, one more thing that will fascinate your tween. So, just tie the two together!

The fitness-related accessories have metrics that can count steps, exercise (create daily movement goals), and even monitor your child’s sleep. Some are even GPS-enabled, meaning you can keep track of your tween while out in the field. How cool can it get?

They generally come in themes that are designed for kids and in fun colors for your tween to choose from. The best part is that most of them have extra games and reward systems to make exercising fun for your tween.

What Is A Fitness Tracker?

A fitness tracker is a wearable device that is meant to gather exercise and activity-related data for the user. Fitness trackers come in various forms, such as; necklaces, wristbands, and clip-on accessories you can put on clothing.

That said, you must ensure you get the best bang for your buck when getting your tween their first fitness tracker.

Features Of A Good Fitness Tracker For Tweens

Selecting the best activity tracker for tweens will solely depend on what you want it to accomplish for your teen and their lifestyle.

Water Resistance/Water Proof

A good fitness tracker for your tween will need to be water-resistant. This way, they can wear them all time even when they swim. A jog in the rain will also be in order and they can also help in the house chores like washing the dishes while they have their fitness tracker on.

Quality And Durability

A fitness tracker that is durable is one that will serve your teen for a long time. When you buy quality, you are sure to get a durable product.

GPS Enabled

A cool Fitbit for tweens will need to be GPS Enabled as this will help you keep track of your child’s walks, runs, or cycles. It will also help you know which activity your child is doing and at what time. This way, you can help your tween to up their game or go slow on a certain activity.

Sleep Tracker

Your tween’s quality of sleep will directly affect their mood and health. Some kids’ fitness trackers will help monitor their sleep duration and quality: this will help schedule their sleep timings, ensuring they get quality sleep as they need it for their development.

Call And Text Alerts

It is soo tech-savvy that these fitness watches can be synced with phones. This way, your tween leaving their changing bag that has the phone is not a problem as they will be notified of an incoming call or text.

Tracking Calories Burnt

One of the primary reasons we need to get our tweens out there is that they can exercise and in so doing, burn calories that at this stage of growth they love. Getting them a fitness tracker that can take up this task will be a quick and easier way for them to maintain their weight or lose it. Burning calories is beneficial in maintaining vital body functions.

24/7 Heart Rate Monitor

With this feature up your child’s fitness tracker, it will give clear insights into how their heart is responding to their daily routine and workouts. The higher their heart rates during their workouts, the more calories they are burning, which is good.

Touchscreen Display

This is a feature that is sure to inspire your tweens to take up an active lifestyle. You should pick one that allows your tween to read it and has an auto-adjusting feature helping it to adapt to ambient lighting.

Long Battery Life

This is a very important feature for your tween’s Fitbit. You need one that has a long battery life with a single charge. This will ensure that it operates when your tween is exercising and when they sleep.

Silent Alarm

This feature will sit well with most tweens as they hate being woken up by loud and noisy alarm tones. Get them a kids’ fitness tracker that will wake them with a quiet vibration instead of the buzzy tones.

Weather Alerts

Cool feature, right? This will enable your tween to plan well for their afternoon in regard to their routine. They will get to know when the rain will pour to avoid it. Or better still, plan when they will go swimming.

Work Out And Exercise Tracking

A fitness tracker that has a cardio fitness feature will be perfect for your tween. It will help calculate the amount of oxygen used by their bodies as they perform different activities, showing how their lungs, heart, and other organs use oxygen to function.

5 Best Fitness Trackers For Tweens

Do you want to get your kid off the couch and on their feet? We have researched to put together 5 of the best fitness trackers to buy your tween currently on the market.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

1. Fitbit Inspire 2

There are several different Fitbit models, but we think this is the best Fitbit for tweens. This Fitbit tracker is made of a durable elastomer material and fastens with a peg and loop will motivate your tween to do their weekly workout activities thanks to its unique features like active zone minutes, challenges, earning badges, and celebrating goal milestones, thus building healthy habits.

It features a 24/7 heart rate tracker that records calorie burn, resting heart rate, and heart rate zones during workouts. It also has a free one-year premium trial ensuring your tween gets personal guidance, step by step fitness and nutrition programs.

It supports over 15+ exercise modes, tracking activities like steps, distance, hourly activity, and activity minutes, storing your heart rate data at 1-second intervals during exercise and 5 seconds intervals during other activities.

It will also track your tween’s time in light, deep, and REM sleep providing pointers to improve their quality of sleep. It has a 10-day battery life and is compatible with the most popular devices and operating systems.

We love it because:

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24/7 heart rate monitor

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10-day battery life

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Waterproof to 50m

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Durable

What could be better in the Fitbit ace 2 activity tracker:

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Some users have reported continual vibrating with wrist movement while not exercising

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On the pricier side compared to other Fitbit models

2. Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker For kids

This Fitbit Ace 2 Activity Tracker is ideal for your younger tween. It brings a fun experience for children motivating them to do physical activities with its unique features. There’s a lot to love with this dedicated tracker that’s durable, waterproof, and comes in fun colors.

It is made up of a tough silicone band that is durable and adjusts on your tween’s wrist, leaving them feeling comfortable. It has reminders for your tween to get moving and has a cool reward system to keep your tween motivated.

Its bedtime reminders, sleep tracking, and silent alarm ensures your kid gets the quality sleep they need. This tracker is also swim-proof, water-resistant, and with 5-day battery life. It also tracks steps and total active minutes, including a 1-hour active minute goal and it syncs all the data collected wirelessly to a phone.

Its app has two views: a parental view and a kids’ view. This means that your child can view their steps, badges, and other basic info, while the parent view allows you to set up more than one child.

We love it because:

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It has swappable bands that are in fun colors

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Durable and waterproof

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Its silicone bands help protect the screen

What could be better in the Fitbit Ace 2 activity tracker:

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It has a short battery life

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It has no games

See full product specs for the Fitbit Ace 2 on Amazon

3. Fitbit Ace 3

The Fitbit Ace 3, as you might imagine, is that little extra step up from the Fitbit Ace 2. It features a swim-proof build, an impressive 8-day battery life, better-than-average parental controls, and a sleep tracker. This tracker counts your child’s steps and sleeping habits and monitors how long they are active.

It’s an easy-to-use tracker, which is comfortable and motivational, making things much more interesting for your tween. It comes set with a 60 minutes activity goal and a 10,000 daily step goal. It is also swim-proof and water-resistant to 50 meters.

Fitbit Ace 3 has an excellent display with an animal-changing clock that displays your tween total steps of the day. It has swappable bands that are small enough to fit even the tiniest of wrists. It’s also compatible with the most popular smartphone devices.

We love it because:

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Swimproof /waterproof

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8-day battery life

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Almost 30 watch faces to choose from

What could be better:

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A bit on the pricey side when lacking some of the features of the Fitbit Inspire 2

See full product specs for the Fitbit Ace 3 on Amazon

4. Garmin Vivofit Jr. 2

Looking away from the Fitbit brand for your tween? This is the second generation of the Vivofit by Garmin that includes generic color bands that have fun and inspiring designs, making exercise fun.

It’s a waterproof tracker that tracks steps and sleeps quality, recording their active minutes to help them form positive habits. As each fitness goal is attained, your tween can move into a more complicated game on the device, thus keeping them active and engaged.

Through its manual sync, parents are able to connect and monitor their tween’s activity. It also gives you the option to send customized alerts, homework, and chores list to the device and has over a year’s worth of battery life.

We love it because:

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It has games as well as being a fitness tracker

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One year battery life

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Task timer feature

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Fun-themed boys and girls’ designs

See full product specs for the Garmin Vivo Jr2 on Amazon

5. BiggerFive Fitness Tracker

This is a waterproof tracker that is slim and has a lightweight design that is simple and comes in three mature color schemes. It smartly records the number of calories you burn, the steps your tween takes and the distance covered in a particular day.

It has a 7-day battery life and can be charged by any USB adapter and is compatible with most phones. It links up with veryfitpro app for further tracking and interactivity. It has a sleep-tracking feature and a silent alarm.

What we love:

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Compatible with smartphones

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Convenient sleep tracker

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Less charging, more battery shelf life

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Great price point compared to the bigger known brands

See full product specs for the BiggerFive Fitness Tracker on Amazon

Distinction Between Fitness Tracker and Smart Watch

Is there really a difference? Yes, while the two – a fitness tracker and a smartwatch – tend to overlap, they each have their intended purpose.

The fitness tracker is primarily designed to keep track of your health and exercise. However, some more advanced trackers can also display texts and app notifications on your wrist like a smartwatch, but their intended purpose is to focus on your health and daily activity monitoring. They will generally also have a digital watch function.

A smartwatch not only keeps track of your health and exercise but also keeps you connected by delivering notifications and updates on your wrist. You can find our detailed guide to tween smartwatches over here.

In a quest to find your tweens a fitness watch, I hope you have finally found one in the above compilation. These watches have great features and functions that will help your tween get the best out of their activities.

Looking for more inspiration for your sporty & active tween?

The post Best Fitness Tracker For Tweens (9 To 12-Year-Olds) in 2026 appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Should Tween Girls Use Tampons? Sanitary Options for Pre-Teens

Tween Parent — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 04:06:00 +0000

So you’ve heard it a dozen times, “tweens shouldn’t use tampons,” but is it true?

How old should girls be to use tampons?

We’ve been doing some deeper digging into the topic to see how much truth lies behind this statement. Before giving newly menstruating girls tampons, what risks and concerns do you need to consider? And what type of tampon is right for a pre-teen girl?

The slightly terrifying truth – for us and our girls – is that girls are getting their periods much younger. The average age range is now thought to be between 9 to 12 years old – spot on over the tween age group – not teenagers, as you may be lead to believe.

Our tweens still seem so young for this conversation but remember, “the talk” will likely need to occur earlier than when you were a child. From around the first signs of puberty – such as growing buds or the first pubic hairs – would be an appropriate point to start chatting to your tween girl about periods and reproduction.

You will no doubt cover with them the basics of sanitary napkins or pads, period pants, and hygiene during their period; however, it would be remiss to completely skip over the topic of tweens and tampons during the initial discussions on managing their monthly periods.

Is There a “Right Age” Tweens Should Start Using Tampons?

Despite it seemingly being a common conversation thread that tampons are not appropriate for tweens, after some deeper digging, we have found this is certainly not the case, from a medical standpoint, at least.

Let’s talk about how they work and why a tween might want to proceed with caution.

NB, the information in this post does not constitute medical advice. You should always speak to your medical practitioner about your child’s particular needs if in doubt.

How Do Tampons Work?

Tampons are oblong or cylindrical shaped and made of soft, compacted cotton-like material. They are inserted inside the v, and the v wall holds the tampon in place. A string is attached to the bottom of the tampon, so it is easy to gently tug and remove when used.

Whilst inside the v, the tampon absorbs the flow. When filled, a string hangs from beneath that should be tugged, and the tampon will slide out for disposal.

What Sort of Sanitary Items Should I Get My Daughter For Her First Period?

Whilst the majority of tweens are likely to be happy starting with sanitary pads or period pants, there may be occasions they’ll feel more comfortable if they use a tampon. Swimming is the primary reason most tween girls are likely to want to explore this option, but it can simply be personal preference, too, especially if they know their mom or other ladies in their family use tampons.

It’s important when you first start discussing sanitary products to speak about each in a positive light. They will have pros and cons in everyone’s individual situation; she will need to decide which suits her best.

Types of Tampons for Tweens

So if you’ve decided tampons are something your tween would like to try, getting them the right size to fit their growing bodies and flow needs is important.

Some come with an applicator which is a little more “hands off” but might require a little more time to get used to how it works and find the right position. Other brands are manually inserted with a finger to find the right spot. Regardless of what method, discuss with her the importance of hand washing and hygiene when using tampons.

Having the right tampon for a younger girl will also help. A super overnight maxi flow tampon is no way to introduce your poor little girl to the years that lie ahead!

We strongly suggest you buy more than one brand of everything at the start – be it sanitary pads, periods pants, or tampons – she will need to experiment to find the one that’s right for her. It may well be a combination of brands and hygiene methods that works best.

How Do I talk My Tween Through Inserting Her First Tampon?

The first time using a tampon can be an awkward moment for a pre-teen or teenage girl to deal with (and mom!). She needs to be comfortable with the method of insertion and removal.

It might feel simple once you’ve done it hundreds of times, but can you actually remember back to that very first moment? Here we’re going to talk you through step by step with handy tips for a pre-teen:

Pads and tampons – with and without applicators

Top Tips for Trying Tween Tampons

You should talk through the angle of her body together before she heads into the bathroom. The packaging will have diagrams, too, to assist this discussion.

Get several types of tampons. With or without an applicator, try several different brands. It’s only through trial and error she will discover what works best.

Applicator tampons may work better for a beginner trying to find the right position; plastic applicators may feel more comfortable starting than cardboard applicators.

Experiment with positions. She can try one leg on the toilet or bathtub, crouching or even lying down while she finds her way to a comfy spot.

A small mirror may assist her actually seeing what she’s doing down there, though it’s best she practices by feel.

Reminder her that if it’s not comfortable, it’s probably not in right. You’d rather she goes through more than necessary at the start to get the position right.

It is best to test tampons when she’s actually on her period. Testing without, she may find her v is too dry. One way to combat this is to try a few drops of lube or Vaseline; it may make sliding things in easier (if you look around, there are a few non-sexual brands out there!)

Even if she has a heavier flow, start with a “lite” or “light” tampon until she’s worked out her technique; they are slimmer and less intimidating for a beginner. Once she has the basics down, you can move to the right flow level.

She should only use the level of absorbency required for the flow, not stronger “just in case.”

Even using a tampon, your girl may fill more confident if she also wears a panty liner. Panty liners are much smaller and more discreet than a period pad, so they should be an almost unnoticeable extra layer of protection for your girl.

If the panty liner is filling with more than spotting, she may need a stronger absorbency tampon.

It’s best not to start testing out a tampon immediately before a big event where your daughter might feel under huge pressure to “get it right.” It’s not something anyone really wants mom hanging there for a live demo, but it will help her if you’re outside the door for some moral reassurance.

When introducing your tween to tampons, you must discuss the importance of hygiene. This includes not just hand washing before and after but when to replace your tampon. The FDA recommends changing your tampon every four to eight hours.

You should make sure she is aware of what toxic shock syndrome is, but assure them that with correct tampon use, it can be avoided. Commonly associated with prolonged ultra-absorbent tampon use during menstruation, it is caused by the release of toxins and an overgrowth of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus – staph for short. TSS can be fatal if symptoms go unchecked.

Avoid products that are heavily scented. As much as it’s tempting to think they’ll “mask” smells, they can cause irritation and upset the pH balance of the v.

Don’t forget as well as insertion; there’s removal to deal with! You may need to clock-watch and remind a little at the start.

Removal is an easy tug on the string, but she understandably may get distressed if it hiding or a little bit stuck “up there” – it happens. And yup, you wouldn’t be the first mom to have to go on a rescue mission. Stay calm!

Ask her to look at the used tampon on the way out, even if she finds it grouse. If it’s still quite white after 4 to 8 hours of wearing, she may be ready to step down to a lighter flow tampon.

It’s important to reiterate to your tween that it’s not appropriate to flush any type of sanitary products down the toilet. While pads are exceptionally troublesome, it’s not appropriate to flush tampons equally. If they don’t have a sanitary bin or trash can close to hand, ensure they have some disposable baggies.

Tampons should only ever be used once. The FDA does not have any approved reusable tampons.

If it doesn’t work out the first time, try again in a few months – or a year. As your girl grows in maturity and familiarity with her body, she may feel more confident to give it a go.

Reasons For Tweens to Avoid Tampons

So what are all these arguments against tampons?

At the very start, your tween’s periods are likely to be irregular. As much as they may find it unpleasant to start with, they will want to be able to check on their flow and understand how much they are bleeding, which is easier to gauge with a sanitary pad.

Tweens are also at an age where they are still prone to forget things; it’s essential for hygiene and safety they do not wear a tampon for too long.

Overall, let your girl guide the discussion. At the start of her flow and dealing with changing pads, the sight, the smell of the blood can already be overbearing for young girls. It may take time for them to gain confidence in touching themselves “down there.” Tampons do require more manual touching than other sanitary methods.

Talk to your doctor if you or your tween girl are still nervous. Perhaps with their reassurance and talking through the pros and cons, you can get more comfortable with this step. If not, there’s no problem with continuing with a sanitary method that does suit.

Features of Tween Tampons

Tween and teen tampons are similar in design and function to regular tampons, but they are designed to fit smaller bodies.

Remember, “slim” and “light” aren’t always the same thing. It depends on the material they’re made from. A light flow tampon is less absorbent, but “slim tampons” can still have high absorbency.

Preteens may also be interested in trying “sports” marketed tampons, particularly if they’re active sporty girls. The big selling point of these tampons is “leak protection”, they are designed to leak less – though generally, many beginners report them feeling more comfortable.

Applicator tampons may be easier for a beginner to use, but as there are more materials, in the long run, they cost more and are not as good for the environment. Discuss the pros and cons with your tween.

Some tampons come with cardboard applicators which are more environmentally friendly, though they may feel a little more uncomfortable for a beginner to use as they’re more rigid.

7 Best Easy-to-Use Tampons for Tweens

So now we know what our tween needs; what are the leading brands of “teen tampons” ideal for beginners to wear?

We’ve included here some leading brands of tampons for beginners. All are smaller in size and made for lighter flows. As we mentioned above, once her technique improves and she’s comfortable with how they feel inserted, she can move on to a heavier flow or “Super” tampon.

1. Tampax Pearl – Light

Tampax Pearl tampons are great for tweens just starting out. Their simple design makes them comfortable to insert. Once she has the hang of things, you can increase the size to suit her flow. We Love that they come in multipacks, ideal for your changing flow throughout a period. They’re one of the only brands we can find that sell Light tampons in big boxes!

2. U by Kotex Fitness Tampon – Regular

A popular choice for active girls, U by Kotex Fitness tampon should give them more reassurance against leaks. The regular size is not too intimidating for a beginner as it comes in a compact applicator fit. You’ll also get a small compact carry case.

3. Playtex Sport Regular

Similarly, Playtex Sport is another popular tween and teen tampon option. The “360 protection” means the tampon goes in small but expands in all directions when absorbing. The contoured tips make it easier to insert.

4. Seventh Generation Free Clear Lite Tampons

Got a girl with a planet-first approach? Good on you! We love that these regular flow tampons contain no nasties, no perfumes, dyes, and chlorine bleaching, responsibly sourced cotton, and a plant-based applicator. Definitely include these when you are seeking the perfect tampon brand for your tween.

5. U by Kotex Click – Regular

U by Kotex Click Compact tampons are a good starting point for any tween or teen. These applicator tampons will ease their journey into womanhood with their easy applicator system. Simply pull the lower end once comfortably in place, they’ll expand to a regular-sized tampon.

6. OB Organic Regular

OB Organic can be a popular choice for beginners as they tend to be a little smaller than other brands, though the lightest flow their organics range covers are regular. Free from perfumes and dyes and complete with applicators from renewable resources, we’d certainly strongly consider this in your tween’s tampon repertoire.

If you’re seeking something even smaller to start, try OB Pro Comfort Minis (no applicator).

7. Cora Organic Applicator Tampons

The band name may not be as well known, but if it’s a variety you’re after to test out her flow size and get her used to the tampon insertion process, Cora is a great starting point for a tween.

These organic tampons come with an applicator and three different sizes for throughout her period, but definitely start with the lite; the supers can be intimidating.

Don’t Forget a Tampon Carry Pouch!

Unfortunately, periods can start anywhere, any time (even if you use a period app). Your tween will undoubtedly find she needs to deal with her periods while out of the house. A cute and discreet tampon purse is a must for her sanitary items. Here are a few ideas to try:

Essential Tween Skin Care Habits to Instill on Your Pre-Teens

Tween Parent — Sat, 09 Jul 2022 08:38:00 +0000

Puberty is a normal phase of development for our children. It occurs when your tween’s body transitions into an adult body and prepares for the possibility of reproduction.

As tweens enter puberty, they will have many questions about their bodies, and you will notice many physical and emotional changes. Hormones will cause further growth in your tween and cause havoc with your tween’s emotions, body, and skin.

Physical signs that your tween girl is entering puberty include:

Underarm and pubic hair growth
Growth spurts
Facial acne
Menstruation
Breast development
Cramps
Body odor

Physical signs that your tween boy is entering puberty include:

Muscle growth
Deepening of the voice
Acne
Body odor
The development of the testicles and penis

Acne, which is common in preteen girls and boys, will generally look like small bumps on the skin and will appear on the t-zone area – the forehead, nose, and chin area because this is where the oil glands are concentrated.

This brings us to our discussion of a good skincare routine for tweens. Remember that your tween’s skin is still sensitive, infant skin, so you need a gentle tween skincare product.

Boys and Girls Changing Needs

Puberty can be a challenging and confusing time for your tween/preteen. But letting your tween know what to expect and why these changes happen can help them feel more in control as they go through it.

At this stage, your tween will experience many physical and psychological changes, which result from shifts in hormones.

Physical and psychological changes happen slowly over time. They typically begin from 8-13 in girls and 9-14 in boys.

Your tween’s skin becomes oily, and their body produces more sweat. At this time, testosterone, a primary sex hormone in boys, gives rise to male traits while estrogen, a primary sex hormone in girls, increases.

Basics Of Tween Skin Care

If the skin changes in your preteen are becoming hard to tackle, do not fret. Remember that most tweens can manage these changes with appropriate hygiene and skincare.

When is the perfect time to start a skincare routine? Most experts recommend creating a very basic tween skincare routine during the preteen years, between the ages of 8 to 12 years old.

This builds a good skincare habit and ensures by the time significant issues come along, there is an excellent healthy base to work from.

The key to getting a skincare routine going with your tween is to make it super easy. You do not want to make it complicated, but you also want to make it fun so that they will do it regularly.

The first rule is that you need to keep it basic.

Remember your tween is just starting; you do not want to overwhelm them with your fav Korean 10-step routine. Instead, keep it gentle and bare-bones, as there is always room for them to add more products as they become more comfortable.

This slow and steady approach will make it easier to determine what ingredients and formulas work best for your tween’s skin. And what has the potential to irritate it.

With the basic skincare routine, your tween has to follow two simple steps:

Cleanse
Moisturise

Your tween needs to do these two steps ideally in the morning and at night, but it will also depend on how sweaty your tween is during the night. You can make the routine part of the hygiene process. For example, they can do it while in the shower, wash their face in the sink, or even brush their teeth.

Making skincare a quick and easy addition to a morning and night routine makes it more likely that your tween will follow through.

Cleanse

When choosing a cleanser, stick to a gentle formula to clear impurities and keep the skin hydrated. Do not scrub harshly but instead use gentle, circular motions making sure to reach every inch of your face.

Your tween should avoid using soap on their face as it can irritate the pores on their face and trigger acne and pimples.

If your tween has oily or normal /combination skin, you should get them a cleanser containing salicylic acid to control excessive oil production and increase hydration.

This cleanser also helps dissolve dirt and oil, thus unclogging your tween’s pores.

Moisturise

Your tween will need to apply her moisturizer twice daily to help keep the skin supple and hydrated and prevent premature fine lines.

It should be a lightweight,oil-free moisturizer to prevent your tween’s skin from clogging.

A gel-based moisturizer will also do for your acne-prone tween. Choosing a moisturizer that includes a broad-spectrum sunscreen is wise to help protect your preteen’s skin from the sun rays.

Exfoliate

To avoid clogged pores resulting from hormonal surges, your tween should keep their skin exfoliated once a week or every two weeks, depending on how sensitive the skin is.

Look for exfoliating products that contain clay. Clay has natural antiseptic and astringent properties.

Makeup and Tween Skincare

Many young girls love to experiment with make-up in their tweens. It can be fun to discover their own personal style, but it’s essential when allowing your girls to learn, you teach them the importance of also washing their makeup off correctly.

Leaving makeup on their skin for too long can lead to blocked pores, worsen acne and damage their skin, especially if left on overnight when the skin should be renewing itself. Always insist makeup is removed before bedtime.

Make sure when starting their journey with makeup you also equip them with the right makeup-removing tools, followed by their usual skin care routine.

Best Skin Care Brands For Tweens

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

These gentle skincare products for preteens will help keep breakouts at bay, leaving your tween feeling happy and confident.

Aveeno Kids Sunscreen

If it reads kids, you know it will be safe for your tween. The Aveeno kids is an excellent product for your tween’s sensitive skin.

It has an SPF 50 for superior broad-spectrum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

It’s an effective mineral sunscreen lotion as mild as water and applies to your preteen skin, quickly locking in moisture without stinging or irritation.

It contains naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active and skin-soothing oat and is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

It also features a tear-free formula that is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free,phthalate-free, and fragrance-free, making it ideal for your tween’s skin.

Just like makeup, sunscreen is great while it’s doing its job outdoors, but always take care to wash sunscreen off before bedtime. Sunscreen left overnight can dry out the skin and clog pores.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser is a great tween face wash. It contains hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerine. They help hydrate your tween’s skin without stripping off moisture.

It removes dirt, face makeup, and excess oils, providing 24-hour hydration leaving your preteen with a non-greasy feeling and moisturized.

It is free of paraben, soap, fragrance, non-comedogenic, non-irritating, and non-drying. It is an excellent moisturizer as it helps restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.

It is suitable for daily cleansing and can double up as a handwash for your tween’s delicate hands.

Clean & Clear 2-Pack Day and Night Face Cleanser

The clean and clear day and night cleanser is a great tween face wash pack. It gently cleanses your tween’s skin without overdrying it in the morning and night.

Its clean and clear morning burst facial cleanser removes skin impurities that build up overnight and features a refreshing citrus fragrance with ginger extract to help wake your tween up in a fantastic mood.

The clean and clear night relaxing deep cleansing face wash washes away dirt, impurities, and oil that builds up during the day. The clean and clear face cleanser contains deep sea minerals and sea kelp extracts that deeply cleanse pores with a calming aroma.

Catephil Exfoliating Face Wash

Cetaphil exfoliating face wash is extra gentle, making it a great facial product for tweens. Its micro-fine granules gently buff away dry, dull skin-supporting a natural surface cell turnover without irritation.

It’s infused with a vitamin complex and skin conditioners that help keep your tween’s skin comfortably hydrated. It is an effective yet non-irritating daily scrub ideal for your tween’s sensitive skin.

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Coconut Sugar Facial Scrub Exfoliator

The Palmers Coconut Facial Scrub is a great product to be incorporated into your tween’s skincare routine. It gently buffs and polishes away dirt and dead skin cells, leaving your tween with a brighter, fresher, and purified complexion.

It has the finest natural, raw ingredients making it great natural skincare that your tween will love.

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion

An excellent daily moisturizer perfect to apply after cleansing, CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Loton contains SPF30 for all-day facial protection again UVA and UVB rays.

It contains hyaluronic acid to retain the skin’s moisture and niacinamide to calm the skin and keep hydrated all day.

Gentle on the skin, this fragrance-free and oil-free moisturizer is suitable for all the family to use.

We hope this guide will help you formulate a skincare routine that will work for your growing tween.

Puberty will strike at different moments and every tween’s skin will react differently to their changing hormones. The best you can do to prepare them for these changes is to instill healthy habits and model good behavior when it comes to skincare.

The post Essential Tween Skin Care Habits to Instill on Your Pre-Teens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Best Hair Removal Products For Tweens

Tween Parent — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 11:15:00 +0000

You might have found your tween girl secretly shaving in her bathroom, or maybe she has requested you to let her have some shaving products. Either way, it is normal for tweens to reach this stage as they grow up.

Adolescence comes with many new changes for your female child – hair growth, development of breast buds, and body odor. It is common for some tweens to feel the need to shave their legs, while others prefer not to, or show no interest until their teens.

Either way, you should support your baby girl. You need to sit down with her and get to the root of what’s causing them to get the urge of shaving.

Sometimes the need to shave stems from peer pressure or what they watch on social media. You can talk with your tween and ensure they get the real picture of what will happen once they start shaving.

For example, hair that grows next becomes darker and rougher after shaving. So, if they’re ready for these changes, you should help them learn the best hair removal products for tweens.

You’ll often find that tween girls want to shave their legs and maybe armpits, while tween boys prefer shaving their facial hair. Facial hair removal for tweens is common, especially facial hair removal for girls. Girls prefer getting permanent methods to remove any facial hairs.

Why Girls Might Want To Remove Body Hair

First off, if your tween girl came to you asking for permission to shave, you should be glad that they did so instead of going off the limb and looking for shaving tips from their peers who have no clue what they are doing.

Society today is in a good place, allowing women to have body hair without shame, so if your tween girl doesn’t care about hair growth, let her be, and don’t push these techniques until she’s ready for them.

Your tween may want to shave because they’ve seen their peers shave and feel the societal pressure to fit in. If that’s the case, you’ll need to sit your tween down and explain to her how not to succumb to peer pressure. Let her think about it, and if she still wants to shave. You can guide her on the best ways for hair removal for tweens.

Sometimes tweens also feel the need to shave because they’ve grown faster than their peers, making them feel out of place. All tweens grow at different rates, and some may have body hair come in in their teenage years rather than their tween years. So, you’ll need to explain this concept to your tween, so she understands what’s going on and stop being self-conscious.

Tweens can also get the idea of having perfect brows and shaved legs from their influencers or even celebrities. You’ll need to explain to your tween that what they see isn’t always what the reality of things is. But if they want to shave simply because they prefer no hair on their bodies, then it’s your time to step into your mommy power and guide your tween.

Hirsutism

In rare cases, tween girls may develop hirsutism, excessive hair growth connected with hormonal issues. If you notice your tween girls hair growing in places it normally wouldn’t, primarily on their face, back or shoulders its time to see a doctor. It can be a sign in many girls of PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Different Methods of Hair Removal

There are many different ways to go about kids’ hair removal. These include:

Shaving

Shaving for tweens is a common hair removal method. Shaving is a hair removal method where one removes the tip of the hair shaft that has grown through the skin using a razor.

Shaving is the most common hair removal method. Most tweens start by shaving, then, later on, explore other hair removal methods.

Some razors are disposable, others have disposable blades, while others are electric. An electric razor is the easiest method for shaving because it’s easy, takes less time, and is less intimidating for your tween girl.

The best razor for tweens is this Intuition Schick Island Women’s Razor Blade when looking for razors. It has soap built right in; hence you won’t need to lather your body, saving you the time to apply the cream.

If you’re more into the electric razor, you can get this Women’s Electric Razor Shaver Trimmer that is easy to use and has a feminine touch.

Pros

Inexpensive
Easy
Better, for coarse hair

Cons

Bumps
Razor burn
Nicks and cuts
Ingrown hairs
Upkeep is more regular
Needs shaving gel

Epilating or Plucking

An epilator is an electric device that looks like an electric shaver but works like tweezers. It works by pulling your hair from its roots. Of course, this sounds very stressful, but it gets better once you get used to it.

It is a painful hair removal method, but it keeps hair growth away longer than shaving does. Shaving requires your preteen to do it most days of the week, while epilating gives you a bit of time before you need to rid hair.

Alternatively, one can pluck hair from the skin using tweezers. This method can also be painful, like epilating, and takes a lot of time, so you can only do this to the brows where you only need to remove a few hairs.

An epilator is easy to use. The best epilator for girls is this Braun Epilator Silk-Epil. Not only is it cute, but it also gets the work done seamlessly and is a safe hair removal method for tweens.

Pros

Long-lasting results
It needs replacement after a few years
No sticky mess, cuts, or nicks
You can epilate anywhere
Hair grows back thinner and softer

Cons

It can be pricey at first
It takes longer than shaving
It’s painful the first few times
Can cause ingrown hair

Depilatories

A depilatory cream removes hair from the skin. When applied to the skin, these creams react by fighting with the protein in hair, making it so weak that you can easily wipe it away or even wash it off.

After using a depilatory cream, your tween girl won’t need to remove body hair for up to two weeks.

Before using any depilatories, it is best to test it on a patch of your tween’s skin to see if she reacts to it. Some girls tend to have specific reactions to particular creams. Since your tween’s skin may be sensitive, the best hair removal cream for tweens is this Veet Hair Removal Cream Sensitive Skin with Aloe Vera & Vitamin E.

Pros

Easy to use
Painless
Inexpensive

Cons

It can be messy when applying
The odor can be unpleasant
Some people get allergic reactions to the creams
They may not be effective on people with coarse hair

Waxing or Sugaring

Waxing involves spreading a sticky solution on a patch of skin where you want to remove hair. After applying wax, a strip of cloth is put on the wax and then quickly pulled off, removing the hair root and dead skin cells.

Waxing can be done at home or at the salon. On the other hand, Sugaring is similar to waxing, but you won’t need waxing strips or wax. Sugaring combines heated sugar, lemon juice, and water. You can apply this on a patch where you want to remove hair, then pull it off, repeating until the mixture can no longer come off with hair.

When using Sugaring, ensure the mix isn’t too hot as it may burn the skin. If you’d like to experiment with at-home wax, you can try something like the Nair Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit.

Pros

Leaves behind smooth skin
Cost-effective
Results last longer
Readily available at home and in grocery stores
Hair grows back lighter and softer
Less noticeable compared to shaving

Cons

Painful
Temporary redness, inflammation, and bumps after waxing
Risks of burns when not done correctly

The following methods are not normally recommended for young girls but to put all the options out there a worth talking through with your daughter to fully understand all the pros and cons as they get older:

Electrolysis

Sometimes your tween may want a more permanent hair removal method, especially if they have hair growth on their faces. Electrolysis treatment is the solution in such a situation.

It involves working with a professional over a series of appointments where a probe is inserted into the hair root killing it. Electrolysis ensures that the hair removal is permanent.

Pros

Some people get permanent hair removal.

Cons

Expensive
Can be painful
Causes dry skin, scarring, scabs, and inflammation
It can be risky if the instruments aren’t sterilized well

Laser Hair Removal

Compared to electrolysis, laser hair removal isn’t permanent. The laser is directed through the skin to the hair follicle, stopping the hair from growing. Your tween has to return in six months to a year for maintenance as it isn’t permanent.

It can be a little concerning for your tween due to the use of radiation., but it helps take care of large areas of the body that need hair removal.

Pros

It’s long-lasting
You can treat large areas of the skin at the same time.

Cons

Expensive
Treatment can lead to inflammation after treatment.

We hope this will help guide you through one of those challenging puberty conversations you’ll no doubt need to be ready for with your tweens. Unlike helping your daughter select her first bra, or being ready for when her first period starts, there’s no urgent health reason to deal with tween body hair.

Social norms and peer pressure may dictate otherwise, but with all things tween, keeping a good channel of open communication on the changes they are starting to go through will be essential.

When she’s ready, discuss the pros and cons of each method here and guide her in the techniques she’ll need to master until she’s confident to try them on her own.

You can find more articles and advice helping you navigate tween health, hygiene and puberty issues over here.

The post Best Hair Removal Products For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Explaining Periods To Your Tween Son

Tween Parent — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:41:00 +0000

Talking to your tween boy about periods is a key part of parenting. At ﬁrst, it may feel awkward, but having open conversations will help them understand that periods are normal, healthy, and nothing for girls to be ashamed of.

You might be wondering what to tell your tween boy about girls and their puberty changes, right?

Your tween boy will always have females in their lives (starting from their mmm, friends, intimate partners, colleagues, and maybe even their own daughter), making it very important to raise empathetic and kind tween boys that respect women.

And while you might be unsure how to start explaining periods to boys, what to tell them and how much they need to know, the earlier you talk about puberty, the easier it will be. Teachable moments on how to explain a period to a boy are everywhere when you are ready to find them!

Tween boys want to know more about periods. As a parent, this is your opportunity to start sharing positive messages about periods with your tween boy, counteracting the negative messages they may already be receiving from the media, friends, and society.

Talking to boys about periods will also ensure that they grow up without adding to the shame often associated with periods.

When Do Boys Need To Learn About Periods?

Is there a “right” time to start explaining puberty to your son? NO. The moment your tween son hits the pre-teen, you need to have “this talk.”

Starting when your tween boy is younger helps you to gently introduce the concept to them that one day their bodies will start to change from being a child’s body to an adult’s body.

While they might not fully understand the “why,” “how,” and “when”, they will accept it as just another thing that will happen to them—making them see periods and puberty as normal.

And as earlier stated, there are many possibilities of opportunities for talking to your tween boy about periods. To mention but a few:

They might find period supplies in the bathroom drawer and ask what they are meant for.
Your boy might walk into the bathroom while you are changing your tampon or pad. Prompting them to ask queries about why there is blood from down there.
Your tween boy might be upset the sister is always locking themselves for long in the toilet and unwrapping papers (pads wrappers aren’t the quietest).
Your tween boy might see a period leak through a girl’s clothes.

What Do Tween Boys Need To Know About Periods

Before discussing with your tween boy about periods, review information about menstrual cycles. Incline to reading materials specifically written for children while reviewing diagrams of women’s reproductive health.

This will ensure you are at your tween’s level of understanding, making it very comfortable for you to explain everything better.

Starting to explain puberty to your son and the changes both boys and girls go through early on is always a great way to introduce the concept of periods.

Let your tween so fully understand that they both(boys and girls) experience many similar growth spurts such as:

Body odor
Growing hair under the arms and the pubic area
Having new emotions as being attracted to the opposite sex
Getting taller

But that some things are also different, like:

Boys will start to produce sperms during puberty.
Girls have ovaries that contain eggs and a uterus where a baby can grow.
The sperms that boys start to produce are needed to help make babies.
For girls, every month or so, an egg is realized from the ovaries. And if a sperm fertilizes the egg, it lodges into the lining of the uterus and fertilizes into a baby.
If the released egg from the ovaries is not fertilized, the lining comes out of the v monthly or so as a period.
This monthly process is called the menstrual cycle and is a very normal and healthy process that a girl’s body goes through.

As part of a package of the whole puberty talk with your tween son, you can also introduce him to all the feminine products a girl might use during her periods. These are:

You can also take your tween son along as you go shopping and take him through the period products aisle to ease any awkwardness he might feel.

When unpacking the shopping, you can use the products you bought to explain how they are used. That is to demo how a pad is unwrapped and used on pants. Or how a tampon is unwrapped and explain how it works.

Do not overlook an important part of how a girl may experience premenstrual symptoms, such as:

Moodiness
Cramps
Bloating
Headaches
Become more sensitive

Let your tween boy know that a girl may not mean to hurt them in the days leading up to her periods and that he should not take it personally. This might have to do with her changing hormones.

Talk to your boy that sometimes periods can also be embarrassing for a girl, and she may not want others to know when she has it. They should not tease them or make jokes about periods. They should also not go through a girl’s purse or backpack without her permission, as she may have pads or tampons.

Let your tween boy understand that supporting each other through puberty and periods is crucial, thus being mindful of each other’s feelings.

It is wise to include dads when having these period talks. Finish by asking your tween boy whether they have any queries about girls or their periods.

Do’s and Don’t When Explaining Puberty to Your Son.

Do Keep Things Positive: when talking to your son, avoid any language that inadvertently makes periods sound negative or dirty.
Do be clear and concise when explaining puberty and period to your son. If some words are new to him, make sure you explain their meanings. You can also use diagrams for ease of understanding.
Do encourage empathy: talk to your tween boy about having a quiet talk with a girl who has leaked her cloth rather than commenting on it to his buddies.
Don’t use euphemisms: When talking to your tween boy about using the right terminologies. This will avoid perpetuating the idea that periods are to be kept hidden or ashamed of. You should also explain any slang term he might have heard, like “aunty floor” or “on the rags.”
Don’t dodge queries: if your tween boy queries anything on periods and puberty, do not brush it off because you do not have an answer or you are too busy. Respond as best as you can and, if possible, come back to it later.
Don’t let him tease girls: let your tween boy know that it is very inappropriate to tease a girl because of her periods, which might make the girl very upset.

Resources To Help Your Son Understand Periods And Puberty

Many fantastic resources will help you naturally talk to your tween boy and girl about sex while respecting your personal values.

You’ll find many blog posts, YouTube videos, and books to help you talk to your child about growing up.

You’ll find our selection of the most appropriate tween health resources over here.

Got a tween girl? Make sure you head over here for our advice on dealing with first periods and making sure she has all the right supplies to be prepared for the big event.

The post Explaining Periods To Your Tween Son appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

How To Create A First Period Kit For Tweens

Tween Parent — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 06:51:00 +0000

Can you remember the moment you got your first period? I think most of us have that memory engrained in our minds. For some, it will have been a positive experience, but for others, it may have been a scary and overwhelming feeling.

A first period is a huge milestone for a girl . While it might not have been the greatest experience for you, having a daughter who may be about to embark on this journey means that you can prepare and help them just as you might have appreciated yourself.

So with that in mind, here is what you might want to consider when it comes to your tween’s first period.

In this first period guide we’ll cover

When will my daughter have her first period?

This is a question that you probably have circulating in your head. After all, if you know when your daughter will start her first period then you will know what to do and when you need to prepare for.

The truth is, when this will happen, is not set in stone. Even hereditary indicators won’t dictate exactly when your girl is due to start. Usually, a first period will begin around the age of 12, but in some cases, girls as young as nine can start their periods.

Any time between the age of 10 and 15 is presently considered normal, so even if your child goes beyond the age of 12 don’t panic.

How will I know my daughter is about to have her first period?

Thankfully, there are a few warning signals to look out for that could indicate that a period may be due. Here are a few things to look out for:

Your daughter has started to wear a bra. This is an indication that her body is developing.
Hair has started to appear under the arms and possibly in her private parts.
Have you noticed any white stringy discharge in their underwear when you are doing the laundry? This can also be an indicator that a first period is coming.

Why do periods occur in young girls?

Young girls go through enough, don’t they? And while we can understand as adults that our period is an indicator of the menstruation cycle and ovulation and the release of an egg from the ovaries, why do young girls get a period?

It isn’t just about that, it happens due to the change in hormones in the body and the hormones give messages to different parts of the body, such as the uterus and womb in preparation for their later years when they may conceive a child.

Girls are going through puberty earlier than even a generation ago, so bear in mind your daughter might need to grapple with these issues at a lot younger age than we did.

How to prepare your daughter for her first period

The one thing you can do as a mom is preparing your tween for their period in a way that you may have appreciated yourself if you didn’t have a positive experience.

The idea is to make your daughter aware of the changes that will happen to her body as early as you can. This can be as soon as you think they are emotionally ready for the chat, but especially, if they are already showing the signs of a changing body. Growing buds can be one of the first indications she’s ready for the chat.

Here are some of the things to consider when helping to prepare your daughter for their first period.

Discussion and communication

Talking about it will always be your best opportunity to help your daughter through this big change in their lives.

Talking about it early will help them to be more aware and even sharing with them some of the indicators that a period might start that we mentioned earlier in this post can help them to look out for some of the warning signs as well.

You can also point them in the right direction to websites that will cover the science a little better than you might be able to.

The Kids Health site has some excellent information explaining exactly what happens during a period and the cycle throughout the month.

What should you both expect?

You might also want to talk about what they may experience during a period. We all know it isn’t a pleasant time, but giving them an idea of period symptoms will help them feel more at ease when it is happening.

Discuss the bleeding element, but also share with them that they may experience period cramps and pains in the lower abdomen, headaches and feeling tired, as well as a change in hormones so perhaps being moody or irritable, emotional and sad.

All of these things are very normal and will vary from person to person, but knowing your tween has all the facts will help them to be prepared, along with the right equipment.

When might the period occur?

As we discussed earlier in this post, there is no time that is set in stone when it comes to when a first period will happen. It can happen between the ages of roughly 10 to 15.

However, it is also worth being mindful that a period can present itself at any time. So your daughter could be at school, during gym class, or even attending a pool party when you’re not nearby to help. The first time may only be light spotting, rather than a heavy flow.

Thankfully, once your first period has manifested, there are tracking apps that could help you start to predict which day her next period might arrive (though undoubtedly it will be a bit sporadic to start with, which can only add to your daughter’s frustration).

Try some top rated apps including:

Period Calendar Period Tracker Apple | Google Play
Easy Period – Lite Tracker Apple
MagicGirl Teen Period Tracker – Apple | Google Play

After you have entered a few months’ worth of data, such as the days a period starts and finishes, it will be able to track and predict the next date. Giving you and your daughter the heads up so you can prepare and have everything that you need to hand.

(A quick note on Period Tracking Apps – many are designed to assist with fertility and have upgrade features more suitable for adults with chat features, careful which ones you choose for a tween or younger teen)

What will my daughter need?

Now that they know what to expect and potentially when this might happen, you might want to think about what your daughter will need.

You need to remember that the things you might use for your period will differ from what your tween will need to use, especially during those first few months. Different sanitary items will be the key issue for you to tackle. Their body size is different from yours, so you may want to think about tween pads to find the right sort of sizing.

Tampons can also be considered, though she may want to start with other sanitary steps until she’s more comfortable with her body.

There are other factors to consider as well. You may want to encourage wearing darker clothes during a period, to avoid any unpleasant accidents that might occur. Darker bed sheets may also make them feel more comfortable.

Their personal hygiene will be a focus around this time especially, and keeping clean will be paramount. Regular baths and showers will help your tween to feel more themselves during this time, and they may also want to consider femine washes, purposefully designed for more sensitive areas of the body.

Lastly, we mentioned one of the big symptoms of a period being cramps, so having some form of pain management to hand could be worthwhile. They may not need to take a painkiller, but knowing you have the appropriate one to use will put yours and your tween’s mind at ease.

What to put in a tween period kit

A great suggestion is to create or purchase a period kit ready for the big event. This will have everything your daughter will need for their first period, and also the subsequent periods moving forward.

You could create your own kit with things you think your tween daughter might need or purchase one done for you. Having an emergency period kit for school could also be a good idea, especially as you can’t predict when that first period will strike.

A DIY Period Kit

If you like the idea of a DIY period kit then you may be wondering what to put in it? A DIY kit will be a little more personalized, as you will know what your tween will need as the essential, but what will make them feel better when they are experiencing some of the other symptoms.

Here is a quick period kit list to help you get started:

Period panties or pads. These are both the best option for a first period. As they get used to them, you could encourage a menstrual cup as a sustainable option, and eventually when they get old enough, tampons. You can take a look at period panties or look out for teen pads.
Ibuprofen or your choice of painkiller. This can help ease the pain of the cramps.
A hot water bottle or cuddly heat pack. Heat can be a great alleviator of pain, especially period cramps.
Baby wipes. These will be a great way to keep your daughter feeling fresh and clean as they change their pads.
Extra underwear just in case. Accidents happen so a spare pair of panties and a bag to get rid of any soiled ones will be useful.
Other items you may want to include could be related to self-care, such as skincare and feminine body wash designed for their intimate areas.
A cute little bag to keep everything in.

Tween pads

Tweens will need differently shaped pads to ladies. Make sure they have a supply of different absorbencies, practical for wearing to school and more absorbent pads for overnight.

A My First Period Sampler Kit can be a great idea so she can experiment with which brand is the right fit for her.

Comfort items for tween periods

Personal hygiene and self care for tween periods

Pre-made Period Kits

You can also buy period kits online and they can make great gifts, especially if you feel that the first period for your tween is imminent.

Here are a couple of links of some of the best pre-made period kits for the start of menstruations we have found online.

First Period Kit Gift Box

Pennies2PearlsShop

This is a cute box that has not just the essentials in for the first period but also things like deodorant, face masks, and other treats your tween daughter might enjoy. A lovely gift box and a period kit for girls that is filled to the brim.

Find it on Etsy

Menstrual Kit All-in-One

In this pre-made period kit, each pack comes with 1 Tampon, 1 Sanitary-Pad, 1 Bag for Disposal, 2 Feminine Wipes and 70% alcohol hand wipes all packed together in a convenient to carry plastic zip locked bag.

Travel-sized Period Kit

This is a lovely little travel-size option that has all of the essentials in one place. A perfect period starter kit for school and ideal to have for that emergency situation.

Hopefully, this has made you more aware of some of the things that you need to think about when it comes to helping your tween navigate their first period.

Whilst it’s considered a joyous coming of age in some cultures, most tweens can be apprehensive confused and sometimes scared of this big change their body is going through.

Your comfort and support is the most important thing for your tween to have, along with the right period kit to get her through this important female developmental stage.

You may also be interested in

Helping your daughter transition through her tweens and preparing her for the teenage years ahead, you may also be interested to read:

The post How To Create A First Period Kit For Tweens appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Best Period Apps for Tween Girls

Tween Parent — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:35:00 +0000

Your tween girl has shown all the signs of puberty, and you know that very soon, the inevitable will happen any day now.

Tween girls usually start their menstrual cycle between 9 to12 years old, but there’s no way to predict exactly when they will be ready.

Therefore you should talk to your tween before the big day suddenly arrives unannounced. You want to arm your tween to the truth to ensure “her days” are comfortable and effortless as they can be. Well, save for the mild cramps, moodiness, and headaches that might be associated.

Along with the facts and sanitary items she needs (we talk more about first period kits over here), she will want a method for tracking when her periods occur.

Thankfully, many apps with information dispel myths about reproductive health. Gone are the days of being shameful and uncomfortable. With the evolution taking place, your tween will be all ready to conquer this important step into womanhood.

So, which is the best period app for your tween girl? Most popular period tracking apps are filled with information that your tween is probably not ready to be exposed to yet. Remember, most of this period tracking apps are designed for adults and fertility.

But there are period apps available on both iOS and Android suitable for tween girls to track their menstrual cycles. You can also teach your tween how to keep up with their periods through an app as their lives are managed on their cellphones!

Benefits of a Tween Period Tracker App

When your tween girl gets her first period, she might be confused about her exact cycle dates. Which can trigger stress or make her feel uneasy. But with the best period tracker for pre-teen girls, she will be on the safe side and learn to understand her body more. Other benefits of using the period tracker for tweens are:

It will help your tween girl find her normal

Period trackers for girls help them learn about their normal body reactions. The tracker allows your tween to time her menstrual cycle to the exact hour. It will also help your tween know how long their menstrual cycle will last. With an easy period tracker app up your tweens sleeve, she can plan for upcoming activities.

Allows your tween girl to learn her cycle pattern

The best app for tracking periods will help your tween determine whether they have a normal or an abnormal cycle. Cycles range between 21-40 days.

It increases your tween’s awareness of their overall health and wellness.

Your tween’s menstrual cycle is a direct indicator of their overall health; periods tell that your body is working as it should. Your tween having an extremely unpredictable or heavy period can indicate an underlying condition. Using a simple period tracker app will help your tween keep a record for easy comparison.

It helps your tween understand and manage their mood

Throughout her menstrual cycle, your tween hormonal changes have been suggested to cause changes in moods like anxiety, irritability, or feeling more affectionate.

Features of The Best Period Tracker For Tween Girls

You will want a period tracker app for your tween girl that :

Tracks menstrual cycle dates and regularities
Verifies menstrual experiences and sensations
Changes in tracking
Safe
Preparing for upcoming periods
Getting to know menstrual cycles and bodies
Accurate
Informing health care professionals
Affordable
Tracking health

5 Best Free Period Tracking Apps For Your Tween

Here are five best apps for tracking periods that will help her plug some basic info during her menstrual cycle.

Clue

Clue is aesthetically pleasing and is considered one of the best period trackers for tweens because of its impressive features. Clue is a period and ovulation tracker for iPhone and android that is FULL of tracking options like bleeding, temperature, sleep, emotions, weight, energy cravings, digestions, and more.

This app provides your tween with accurate predictions depending on their cycle history and provides education about your tween’s body. It’s the best period app for iPhone.

Pros

Allows your tween to predict their vaginal discharge and ovulation
It is user friendly
Allows your tween to track her menstrual cycle
It is written in a matter of fact way
It tracks its data and has a clear overview

Cons

You have to pay to upgrade and access all the features

Magicgirl Teen Period Tracker

Magicgirl is one of the first period tracker apps specifically made to cater to tweens and teens. It is a helpful app that can keep an archive of your tween’s past periods. It can also give your tween suggestions on her future cycles.

It is a functional and fun app with animations and journals. The journal allows your tween to chat and share experiences with a community of users.

Pros

It offers informative videos for your tween
It allows your tween to predict future periods
It helps your tween learn which hygiene products are right for them.
It allows your tween to chat with other users
It has an intuitive interface
It protects your tween’s privacy with a passcode

Cons

Magicgirl app can share your tween’s sensitive personal data with third parties

My Calendar

My calendar is a great period app for tracking periods that is super easy to use and simple, and can work while offline. It is also super streamlined, discreet, and relatively safe. It also has an option to toggle off the intercourse log, fertility info, and pill tracker.

Pros

Your tween can set a passcode for this app
It has a toggle-off feature for information that is inappropriate for your tween
It is an easy period tracker app for your tween that shows a calendar and can work offline
It can export cycles, symptoms, and moods history to a document

Cons

Your tween has to go premium to remove ads
There is no user-generated content in this app
The app doesn’t adjust to irregular cycles easily

Easy Period Lite Tracker

The easy period lite tracker is as essential as the name suggests making it simple and easy to use. It only tracks your daughter’s periods and that’s it. Many users regard this application as the best period tracker for tweens as it allows them to add notes and check their moods.

Pros

It has no chat or community function, which can be unsafe for your tween
It is an affordable option
There is nothing related to pregnancy or fertility in the app

Cons

It is not available on Google Play
Its privacy feature is not as safe compared to other apps.

Eve

Eve is another popular period tracker app. It is interesting to use an app that’s a combination of 90’s pink, a color representing a girl-power vibe. It features a community forum that your tween can join and discuss their topic of interest, and it allows your tween to customize their cycle length to their preference.

Pros

The app allows your tween to check past menstrual cycles
The app loads super fast
This app allows your tween to identify patterns and trends unique to their body

Cons

There’s content available on the app that may be deemed inappropriate to tweens, around sexual activity and community forums.
Google rates the app with Parental Guidance where as Apple suggests only appropriate from 17+

You may want to download a few and see which one she likes best.

More to help your tween girl prepare for her period

Once you have a tracking app sorted, you may also want to learn more about:

The best types of sanitary pads for pre-teen girls
Period pants for pre-teens and the best period underwear
Are tampons suitable for pre-teen girls? We look a the pros and cons of tween tampon use
Got swimming lessons or a trip to the beach planned over your daughter’s period? Tween period swimwear could be an alternative avenue to explore for period confidence around water.

Have you found a period tracker that your tween loves? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Best Period Apps for Tween Girls appeared first on Tween Parent | Family Lifestyle Blog.

Should I Buy Period Underwear For My Tween? Period Pants For 9 to 12-Year-Olds Compared

Tween Parent — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 08:13:00 +0000

Every female can relate to getting their first periods which for some was daunting, while others smooth.

Now that your tween is maturing, it is time you introduce your tween to period panties in case she experiences her first period before her teens. Most times, we stand by the saying “ignorance is bliss,” but not when it comes to your tween getting her first period.

Annually, we dispose of many menstrual products in the trash bin resulting in lots of plastic pollution, some which take 500 to 800 years to decompose ⁽¹⁾. We’re sure no one wants to be a part of the problem, and that’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the best period panties for your tween as an alternative menstrual solution.

What are period panties?

Period panties are the latest invention for helping females manage the days of the month they most dread because of how daunting it can be, but not when you have the best period pants.

Period pants are built using the best technology. They contain a built-in pad to prevent any leakages and are made out of fabric that will last your tween a long while as they are reusable.

The fabric of period panties is an odor-eliminating fabric and super comfortable, making them the best period panties for your tween.

Since period pants contain padding to prevent absorbing any blood, you can always advise your tween to wear them as they are or as a backup if they have a heavy flow and are afraid of leakages.

Why choose period pants for tweens?

Since your lovely girl is crossing this line to womanhood, I’m sure period panties are the best way to introduce them to menstrual products since they are simple, easy to use, and comfortable.

According to research, the average woman goes through about 240 tampons a year, costing approximately $50. That is a lot of money to spend on one tween girl, making it better to opt for period panties that are reusable and will last them a couple of years.

Period panties for girls are the best way to go because it also helps save the planet. Using disposable menstrual products tends to cause a lot of plastic pollution in the environment, and you can prevent your tween from being a part of this by getting period panties for tweens.

Some more advantages for getting period panties for your tween include;

Period pants are very convenient; unlike other menstrual products like tampons and pads, all you have to do is grab them and wear them.
Period panties are discrete; it is always nerve-wracking when you can’t stop thinking that the outline of pads is visible for people who use pads. But with period panties, your tween won’t have to worry about all that.
Period panties offer you peace of mind. Let’s say you wear them with a tampon or pad. You won’t have to worry about leakages since the period panty will take off those leaks.

Features to look out for in good tween period pants

When shopping for period pants for your tween, it can be hard to determine which ones are the best for your girl. You should look for features like:

Light: Period underwear for tweens should be light to prevent them from feeling they are more of a burden on.
High-absorbency: Since your tween will want to wear these without any other menstrual products, it is best to find period panties for tweens that are highly absorbent to keep them feeling safe throughout the day when wearing them.
Comfortable: It doesn’t matter how good the period panties you’re getting your girl are; if they aren’t comfortable, they won’t do the trick. Menstruating is already an uncomfortable situation; you don’t need to add on uncomfortable panties.
More coverage: The best period pants for tweens are supposed to have a wide coverage ensuring that they don’t leak to clothes worn or at the back. If they’re made with this much coverage, your tween can move around in them for as long as possible without worrying about any embarrassing moments that could occur.

Best period panties for tweens

Many companies sell period panties for adults, but it can be a little hard to come across the best period panties for tweens. Here are some of the best period panties we’ve found for your girl.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Associates Program and other affiliate programs that earn us a commission if a qualifying purchase is made.

Evawear Period Panties

These period panties are great for your tween. It has full protection in the front and back. The level of absorbency of this panty is equal to what two tampons can absorb, making it an excellent option for your tween girl.

The panty material is breathable and highly absorbent in all areas keeping your tween dry during her periods. The intended purpose of this period panty is for use without tampons or pads hence very absorbent.

Thinx BTWN Teen Period Underwear

These period underwear are great for your tween; they don’t allow any leaks and stains because the material keeps your tween girl safe for longer.

Thinx BTWN is meant for wear without other menstrual products, so it sits leak-free and is highly absorbent. Your girl will also be safe since it’s made from organic cotton, making it super comfortable.

It also repels odor preventing your teen from being self-aware when on their period. The best feature of them all is that they are machine wash safe which is very convenient.

Nalwort Teen Girls Period Underwear

These period panties for tweens are made from organic cotton giving your girl comfort and a bit of absorption.

These period panties, unlike the others, aren’t a replacement for menstrual products and are best paired with tampons or pads. But even if they leak, your girl won’t be worried about embarrassment as they will absorb any leaks.