Period Tips for Summer

With the summer solstice upon us tomorrow and the lure of outdoor activities for your daughter we thought some summer time period tips would be helpful.

If your daughter is one of those girls who likes to stay active during the summer, she’ll need some advice on how to manage her period when she hits the play fields, rides her bike or dives into the pool. Even if she does not participate in organized activities, other physical activities like hanging out at the beach or hiking with friends may present a challenge.

Here are some helpful tips to share with your daughter–

Have her keep an “emergency kit” in her beach bag or always keep supplies in your car if you are her main driver. Fill the kit with feminine hygiene products, an extra pair of underwear and a wash rag.

Many sports uniforms require loose fitting shorts. Wearing spandex shorts underneath the sport shorts will keep pads in place and provide a feeling of comfortable control.

If your daughter is a swimmer you may want to introduce her to tampons. Have her practice at home until you find the brand and fit that she’s comfortable with. Be sure to remind her how often tampons should be changed to avoid infection.

Sometimes bathroom facilities are hard to find when you’re hiking or beach combing. Tuck a few pads into any backpack or jacket she might use. Wrap the pads in plastic bags which can also be used to keep used product in until she gets to a trash can. Pre-moistened hand wipes are also good to have on hand if running water is limited.

Encourage your daughter to track her monthly cycle with a calendar. It may take some time before its regular but soon enough she’ll be able to anticipate when her flow will start. She’ll know if she needs to pack supplies for overnight camps.

Periods should not get in the way of an active lifestyle. Providing these tips to your daughter will help her to manage her period with confidence as she participates in her favorite physical activities this summer.