Period Parties: How to Celebrate an Important First in Women’s Health
A girl’s first period is literally her body’s rite of passage into womanhood. And we believe this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be celebrated. A milestone such as this is just as special, if not more, than her first step or heading off to kindergarten.
A period party is a clever way to turn what could possibly be a very embarrassing and disempowering experience into a fun and informational experience. That said, it is important that period parties cater to each young girl’s unique personality. The celebration is absolutely not intended to embarrass her. It is so important for girls to carry a positive outlook toward their bodies and being a woman. This is not the norm in our society.
We want to change that! Being celebrated brings an entirely new energy and awareness to being a woman. For her to learn that her mom, aunt and grandma have all been through this. To hear stories from family and friends to give her context, and advice to prepare her. A personal touch like this is more empowering for her than having to figure anything out on her own. Most of us know what consulting sterile medical pamphlets or having to ask someone unfamiliar for help is like, there’s no reason to subject the next generation to feeling disconnected and unsupported.
So if you’re on-board with us on the importance of celebrating young women’s step into womanhood, your next question will surely be - how do I go about planning a period party that doesn’t embarrass my daughter?
Firstly, it is very important to know your audience. A celebration could easily backfire if the young woman being celebrated doesn't enjoy being the center of attention. Remember the celebration must suit your guest of honor.
Secondly, don’t let it be a surprise. Talk about wanting to throw a period party with the young woman being celebrated, and respect that it’s her choice to have one or not. Let her help plan it for when the time comes. This celebration can look a variety of ways. It can resemble a birthday party, inviting all of her friends with a cake, decoration and refreshments - whether red and period themed or not. Or the celebration can be an intimate family and/or friend dinner at a restaurant. It can even be as simple as offering her a piece of jewelry to remember this special time in her life, that she may want to discreetly wear each month during her cycle.
Thirdly, allow this opportunity for her to begin to get comfortable with the aspects of the period that can cause shame and embarrassment. For example, have a designated time during the party for anyone who has their period to share stories, tips or advice (it’s best to have both peers and family members who have had their periods there to speak from all kinds of experience). Show her how to use various menstrual products so she can learn what is best for her body. Have everyone wear red. Use the food and decorations to de-tabbooify (yes this is a word we made up) the blood aspect, making it a normal part of the period. There are endless ways to make this experience unique for every young girl. Use your creativity.
Lastly, remember there are no right or wrong ways to throw a period party, every woman is different. The key is to listen and support each individual journey with as much love and acceptance as possible.
Support us in the quest to uplift and empower young women. Shop Normalize the Period products and buy something special for yourself or a loved one. Remember, $1 from every product you buy funds our Path to Womanhood education program, teaching young girls to understand, respect and honor every part of themselves as they journey into womanhood.
Author- Christy Guyer team member of Normalize the Period.