In Australia, first periods usually arrive at 12 or 13, but they can start as early as 9 or as late as 16, according to Jean Hailes for Women's Health. Puberty itself often begins earlier still: healthdirect says girls typically start puberty somewhere between 8 and 13.
So when should you start talking openly about periods with kids? Jean Hailes suggests before your child's first period, and before their friends get theirs. Here is how to make those chats feel natural.
Quick answer: Start before puberty and keep it going as lots of short, age-appropriate chats over the years. Jean Hailes recommends not waiting for your child to ask, keeping a positive tone, using correct body part names, and covering timing, products and what a period can feel like. In Australia, first periods can start as early as 9.
What age should I talk to my child about periods?
Earlier is better, and you don't need to wait for questions. Jean Hailes points out that some children never raise the topic themselves. It also notes that children who get accurate, age-appropriate information early tend to have better sexual and reproductive health in the long run. Aim to be your child's main source, so they aren't piecing it together from friends, ads or the internet.
What should the period talk cover?
Jean Hailes suggests making sure your child understands:
- when a first period usually starts;
- how long periods last and how often they come;
- how a period can feel before and during bleeding;
- how to use and dispose of period products;
- the correct names for body parts, such as vagina and vulva.
With children of different ages, Jean Hailes suggests giving basic information pitched at the youngest, then sharing more detail with older kids privately.
How do I keep the conversation positive?
Let your tone carry the message that bodies are remarkable, not shameful. Jean Hailes advises avoiding embarrassment, disapproval or anger, while still being honest that periods can be uncomfortable or painful. Your child shouldn't feel they have to suffer in silence.
Everyday moments make easy openers: an ad, the supermarket aisle, or products in your own bathroom. If your child squirms, acknowledge it, pause and come back to it later. Some parents find it easier to talk about "some people" rather than "you" and "I".
What do I do when the first period actually happens?
Stay calm and keep things simple. In its article on talking with your kids about their first period, Jean Hailes says tone matters more than the exact words. Confirm that what they are seeing is a period, then show them how to use, change and dispose of a pad or liner in a matter-of-fact way. Let them try different products to find what feels comfortable.
If you don't know an answer, it's fine to say you'll find out, or to look it up together. Our guide on first-time menstrual cup tips for teens can help if a reusable option comes up.
When to see a doctor
Jean Hailes recommends talking with your child about what is and isn't normal if they have period pain or heavy bleeding, and reassuring them that help is available. healthdirect's painful periods guide and its puberty advice suggest seeing a doctor if:
- period pain stops your child going to school;
- pain is new, gets worse during a period or lasts longer than it used to;
- they have bleeding between periods or irregular periods;
- their low mood lasts longer than 2 weeks, or their mood makes things hard at home, at school or with friends.
Frequently asked questions
Is 9 too young for a first period?
Not in Australia. Jean Hailes says first periods can start as early as 9, though 12 or 13 is most common. healthdirect adds that girls typically begin puberty between 8 and 13 and grow at their own pace. Talking before age 9 means an early period won't come as a shock.
Can my teenager use a period cup?
Many teens do try one. Jean Hailes encourages giving children choices and letting them experiment with products until something works for them. If your teen wants to try a period cup, Lunette recommends Size 1, its smaller and softer size, for teens.
What if my child doesn't want to talk about it?
Don't force it. Jean Hailes suggests acknowledging the discomfort, pausing and returning to the subject another day. Some children respond better to educational books or videos than to a face-to-face chat. Leaving the door open matters more than finishing the conversation in one go.
Should the whole family be part of period talks?
Ideally, yes. Jean Hailes recommends talking about periods with everyone in the family, whatever their gender, to build empathy and reduce shame. When brothers and fathers understand periods too, a child is far less likely to feel they need to hide their pads or their symptoms.
Exploring options together? The Lunette period cup is made in Finland from 100% medical-grade silicone, and the softer Size 1 is the one Lunette recommends for teens. Our period cup size guide lays out both sizes side by side.
This guide shares general information and isn't a substitute for your child's GP; for nurse advice 24 hours a day, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
