Grown Ups

A positive, practical start to puberty

Puberty is an exciting time for girls as they begin to develop their independence, discover more about themselves and their place in the world.

This stage can also be unsettling and confusing. It is often distressing for a girl to get her first period if she has no idea what's happening to her. With one-in-eight girls now starting their periods at primary school, it's more important than ever for girls to be equipped with the products and information they need.

The average age at which girls start their periods is 12, however an increasing number are now starting as young as eight!

Here at PoGo, we believe that girls benefit from being educated about, and understanding, the physical and emotional changes of puberty that they will experience – ideally before those changes start to have a significant impact on them.

An unexpected arrival

Preparing your daughter for the arrival of her first period is easily overlooked as her body starts to develop with the onset of puberty. It takes a conscious decision – and effort – to spend time in our busy lives putting a kit of products together for her.

All too soon it may be too late: her first period has arrived unexpectedly, necessitating a mad scramble to get her some pads. Maybe the school telephones to say your daughter is upset because her periods have started and the only person she wants is you.

We really encourage parents to think about this and take action before their daughter's development reaches this stage.

Having "the talk"

Are you a parent who is at ease talking with your daughter about periods, or does the idea raise unhappy memories of your own experiences and make you feel uncomfortable with the subject?

We know from the many conversations we've had with parents, and health and education professionals that the subject of periods is not always the easiest of topics to broach with a growing daughter.

Many girls as well are often too embarrassed to talk about such personal topics and squirm at the very hint of something of that nature.

PoGo helps to bridge that gap by being a great source of reassurance to girls and parents alike. Looking at our website together is a great way to approach this subject together. You will also find lots more helpful information in More useful stuff, including Features on topics to help both girls and parents, including dads.

The girls' pages may also give your daughter some comfort and confidence that what she is experiencing is shared by many of the other girls she knows.