TidlignokWomanhood Initiative
Back to ages 8–12

First period · Ages 8–12

When your period starts for the first time.

Here you can learn what you might notice, what a period is, what products you can use and whom you can ask for help. You do not need to know anything about periods beforehand.

We start with things you might notice. Along the way, you will learn the words and what to do if your period starts at home, at school or somewhere else.

Starting from the beginning

What is useful to know?

Open what you would like to read. You can start at the top or go straight to your questions.

  • Your body makes substances that send messages between different parts of the body. They are called hormones. Hormones help start the changes of puberty.
  • For many people, breasts begin to grow before the first period. Usually some time passes between breast development starting and the first period.
  • Some people notice changes earlier than their friends and others later. Our bodies develop at different rates.
  • The white or slightly slippery fluid you may notice in your underwear is called vaginal discharge. It comes from the genital area and helps keep the vagina moist and clean. Many people notice discharge before their first period.
  • If you want to be prepared, you can keep a sanitary pad or period underwear and a spare pair of underwear in your bag.
  • You can ask a trusted adult where to find pads, period underwear or other products you can use during a period, or how to get them at school.
Sources

Content has been checked against these sources 13.10.2026.

Be prepared

Make a period kit with someone you trust

You can make your own period kit here on Tidlignok. Tick the items you would like and try the activity with a trusted adult if you wish.

Make your own period kit here

Learn by trying

My first period: try it yourself

Three activities you can do on your own or with an adult. Your choices are only used while this page is open. You do not need an account.

01 / MY PERIOD KIT

What would you like to pack?

Choose what you would like in your period kit. Some things can stay in your school bag and others at home. You do not need everything.

Useful things to carry in your school bag

These are things that can help if your period begins when you are away from home.

Make your kit your own

These items are optional. Choose whatever makes you feel comfortable or happy.

For adults

Talk about where the child can get free period products or help at school. For pain, explore together what may help. Pain relief for children should be considered and used with a responsible adult, following package instructions and any advice from healthcare professionals. Children should not pack medicines independently.

Normal handwashing and water are enough for daily hygiene. Perfumed wipes and products for washing inside the vagina are unnecessary and may cause irritation.

You have chosen 0 of 14 suggestions.

02 / MYTH OR FACT?

What do you think?

Question 1 of 15

Your first period may look brownish or red.

03 / LET'S TALK

A question to talk about

Choose what suits you. You can use the questions on your own or with an adult.

For anyone who wants to learn and feel a little prepared.

Conversation card 1 of 8. You may skip any question you do not want to answer.

What have you heard about periods, and what would you like to know?

You decide what you want to share. If you need help, you can talk to a trusted adult or school nurse.

Sources and evidence behind the activities

What next?

Find the words you need

If you want to tell someone you think your period has started, or ask a question about something you do not understand, we can help you find the words.

Help me explain (Norwegian)