Every girl anticipates her first period differently. Some may be excited about it, some may be anxious, and some may have a lot of questions! Having one’s period is a perfectly natural and healthy milestone in every woman’s life—but we don’t often take the opportunity to talk about it in a candid, open and non-intimidating way.

Each girl’s experience of puberty is unique—not only because of the distinct physical makeup of each body, but also because every girl has a different emotional disposition, personality and social context.

Here are 5 holistic ways to help you and your pre-teen daughter (or niece, or granddaughter) get ready for her red days.

1. Talk about expectations and give a primer on how the menstrual cycle works

Make sure she’s equipped with the right facts and knows what to expect early on, including what changes to expect in her body. Menarche—or a girl’s first period—can occur anytime between 11 and 14 years old, sometimes earlier or later, so you might want to begin discussions while she is as young as 7 years old in order to get both of you acquainted and comfortable with discussing the subject.

The goal is to normalize menstruation and establish the idea that it is nothing to be afraid or ashamed of. Give her a realistic picture, emphasizing both the health and cleansing benefits of menstruating, as well as the mood swings and dysmenorrhea that may come with it. It’s best to hear the facts from a trusted source who can answer their questions and distinguish facts from folklore.

2. Support her during her first period by following her lead

This one goes for both daughters and parents or guardians! While the exact day of her first period may be a surprise, what’s important is that you stay calm and supportive as she goes through these changes.

A girl’s first period is a milestone, but be sure to take her cue on how to respond appropriately: If she’s excited about it, you can have a small celebration—just make sure you’re not too eager, because nobody wants their first period announced on social media. Understand that some girls may not want to make a big deal out of their first period and as a parent, you should respect her need for discretion, too.

3. Teach her to know her body and discuss the menstrual cycle

It’s surprising to know how many grown women still subscribe to menstrual myths and don’t have a complete understanding of what goes on during their monthly cycle. Make sure your little girl is in the know—teach her to know her cycle, what it means to be menstruating and ovulating, and the importance of counting and charting her cycle. Knowing these basics will help her know her flow and eventually predict her cycle on her own. Period tracking apps like Flo and Clue can also provide valuable insights into her menstrual cycle, helping her predict her period and track symptoms. If your daughter’s cycle is irregular, she can stay informed with the help of an OB/GYN.

While knowledge is definitely key, it’s important to first make sure your daughter is properly receptive to all this information. Try giving her age-appropriate details in small doses as she matures, rather than sitting her down for one long-winded lecture. Make sure you’re ready for any questions she may have—brush up with prior research, if necessary, or schedule a consultation with an OB/GYN that you can accompany her to. Get comfortable with using proper anatomical terms: vagina, vulva, menstruation, rather than falling back on euphemisms.

Here’s a helpful guide on talking to your kids about periods.

4. Educate the men in the family about the women’s menstrual cycle

Discussing the women’s menstrual cycle with the men in your family can be understandably awkward—but it’s necessary.

It’s important to let the boys and men in the family be in the know in order for them to have an understanding of girls’ bodies and be respectful of their needs. By the age of nine or ten, boys should learn the basics of what it means when their mother or sister is on her period. Not only will this help neutralize the stigma against women’s menstrual cycle altogether, but it will also help create empathy as your boys learn to respect the girls’ needs.

5. Create a kit for menstrual hygiene

Remember in grade school when your teachers used to require you to keep a hygiene kit in your locker? They were right in starting kids young. Good menstrual hygiene is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to your pre-teen’s menstrual and overall feminine health.

Help her put together a period pack consisting of 1-2 sanitary pads (cloth or disposable), toilet paper, hand sanitizer, an extra pair of underwear and a small bottle of feminine wash. A gentle fem wash is essential for maintaining intimate hygiene and preventing irritation. Empower your daughter with the confidence to care for herself by introducing her to Human Nature’s Natural Feminine Care range.

Pure and Sure Feminine Wash is the perfect starting point, especially for those new to feminine washes. Its mild, pH-balanced formula is gentle on young, delicate skin. For those experiencing menstrual discomfort, Protection for Red Days Feminine Wash offers antibacterial care and long-lasting comfort. And for those seeking relief from dryness, itchiness, and irritation, Natural Sensitive Feminine Wash is specially formulated to maintain a healthy moisture balance. It’s free from harmful chemicals, ensuring comfort and care for sensitive skin.

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Familiarize her with the products and how to use them properly even before she has her first period. Teach her what to do in case of stains, sudden cramps, and other emergencies. Keep her period pack in her school bag or handbag at all times so that when the day comes, she’s ready.

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Just as every woman’s S.H.A.P.E*—spiritual gifts, heart, abilities, personality, and experiences—makes her unique, so does each girl’s journey through her menstrual cycle. By approaching this milestone with understanding and respect, we honor and support her individual path to womanhood.

*from Pastor Rick Warren’s S.H.A.P.E.: Finding and Fulfilling Your Unique Purpose for Life