Parents & Carers
Supporting your child through periods, puberty and menstrual health
Clear, practical guidance for parents and carers who want to support a young person with periods, puberty, symptoms, school worries and getting help.
Choose the support you need
Guides for parents and carers
Whether you're a mum, dad, grandparent, foster carer, guardian or another trusted adult, this section is here to help you support a young person through periods and puberty with confidence. Periods and puberty can bring lots of questions for young people, and sometimes for parents and carers too. Where there is already a child-friendly guide, we will point you to it so you can read it together and keep the conversation simple.
Helping your child prepare for their first period
Practical ways to talk, prepare a period kit and help your child know what to do if their first period starts at home or school.
Read this guide →Talking about body words, privacy and puberty
Support for using correct words, answering questions calmly and helping your child understand body changes without shame.
Read this guide →Helping your child choose and use period products
Guidance on period products, comfort, changing products, leaks and what to keep ready.
Read this guide →Supporting your child with periods at school
Help with school bags, toilets, PE, trips, leaks, trusted staff and when to speak to school.
Read this guide →Knowing when period pain or symptoms need help
How to spot symptoms that may need support, track patterns and prepare for a GP or school nurse conversation.
Read this guide →Supporting your child if they feel embarrassed, worried or upset
Ways to build confidence, protect privacy and respond calmly to worries, teasing or emotional changes.
Read this guide →A Dad's Guide to Supporting Your Child Through Periods & Puberty
Practical advice, conversation starters and reassurance for dads and trusted male carers.
Read this guide →Culture, Identity and Family Beliefs
Guidance for supporting your child when culture, faith, family beliefs, race, representation, gender identity or feeling different shape period conversations.
Read this guide →When to look for more support
Guidance on symptoms that should not be ignored and how to seek help if periods are affecting daily life.
Read this guide →Ask Luma
Not sure where to start?
Luma can help you find simple explanations, prepare questions, or work out which Health Hub article may be useful.
A note on safety
Luma can support learning and preparation, but it cannot diagnose your child or replace a GP, school nurse or healthcare professional.